HOPKINS COUNTY, KY (2/16/12) – Leadership is one trait that is very difficult to teach. In fact, some say that it cannot be taught; but, it can be cultivated. Regardless, one group of people in Hopkins County has sought out natural leaders in school and they are working to cultivate those traits and then to encourage them to come back to Hopkins County after school. Michael Hunt and others began the Junior Leadership Academy as a project in Leadership Madisonville Program several years ago. They have continued the program after seeing how much of an impact it made with the youth.
 
“Our goal is to instill the opportunities in Madisonville and Hopkins County in our youth so they will stay here as leaders of business and industry.” Hunt said in a presentation to the Madisonville Rotary Club “We want them to know there is something to come home to.”
 
The group is made up of selected 5th graders, 8th graders, and high school juniors and seniors. The participants learn about government, industry, health care and other important parts of the local economy. This is a hands-on experience which broadens the students understanding and appreciation of the opportunities here at home.
 
Additionally, the group is introduced to team problem solving situations. This gauges the student’s grasp of a situation they have never faced; and, it tests their ability to work as a team to solve the problem. Regardless where these young people end up, the experience is life changing. Hopefully, it will continue to build leaders for the future of Madisonville and Hopkins County.
 
The Junior Leadership Academy is led by:
•Mary Chandler, Career Education Coordinator, Hopkins County Schools
•Janie McGary, Assistant to Coordinator, Hopkins County Schools

With committee Members:
•Michael Hunt, Sacramento Deposit Bank
•Carol Phebus, Trover Health System, West AHEC
•Kellie Arnold, Hopkins County Extension, 4-H
•Jeremy Teal, Hopkins County Extension, 4-H
 
Students Pictured:
-Abigail Mitchell of Earlington
-Dorothy Bailey of Grapevine
-Kyndal Davis of Jesse Stuart
-Meg Tackett of Pride
-Eryn Whitehair of Southside
-Josie Menser of West Broadway
-Mason Donaldson of West Hopkins
-Patrick Mason of Browning Springs M.S.
-Allison Davis of James Madison M.S.
-Ben Dunlap of South Hopkins M.S.
-Cassidy Brasher of West Hopkins
-Nathan Gaddis of Hopkins County Central High School
-Kaitlin Moore of Hopkins County Central High School
 
Students not pictured:
-Michael Soder
-Hailey Barfield
-Isaiah Hunt
 
Ron Sanders
SurfKY News

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