YLF News
YLF 2007 Highlights
July 21, 2007
'Noles show juniors, seniors how to lead Leadership forum is a reward for students on both sides
View the article at: http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/
article?AID=/20070721/FSU03/707210336/1002/SPORTS
By Sam Hinchee
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER
Five Florida State football players were on hand to visit with more than 50 high-school juniors and seniors with disabilities who are in Tallahassee attending the Eighth Annual Youth Leadership Forum.
Myron Rolle, J.R. Bryant, Andre Fluellen, D'Vontrey Richardson and Everette Brown spent nearly 30 minutes signing autographs, taking pictures and handing out souvenirs at the University Center at Doak Campbell Stadium.
The four-day leadership conference was set up for high-school juniors and seniors with disabilities who are active in extracurricular activities and exhibit leadership potential. The training program provided the students with leadership, citizenship and social skills to help them succeed after high school.
"We just finished our career fair and mentors luncheon where the students get to meet with professionals from a variety of different careers," said Kristen Knapp, Vice President of Public Relations for The Able Trust, which sponsors YLF. "It's a good chance for these kids to learn about certain jobs and learn about how to prepare for those jobs."
It was a reward for students on both sides.
"To be able to get away and show our support, it probably means a lot to them but it means a lot to us too," safety Myron Rolle said. "A big part of being a student-athlete at FSU means giving back to the community, and we all stay very conscientious about that."
The Forum isn't all work and no fun, though. After the meet-and-greet with the football players, the students were off to the Capitol to visit with Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp and Leon County elections supervisor Ion Sancho.
"We're having a talent show and a dance, too," Knapp said. "A lot of these kids have never been away from home, and these social events are an opportunity for them to learn that they are not alone."
Sponsors
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Sponsored by United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities and the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Inc. |
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