Plaquemines Leadership Training a Success

Be a Prototype, not a stereotype.” That’s what Dr. Fairest Hill, guest presenter at the Plaquemines Leadership Training last weekend, emphasized to the participants.          Students from Belle Chasse Middle and O.L.P.H. gathered for an overnight experience that matched them in teams to compete in games and learning activities focused on the virtue of TOLERANCE.  “We’re One Big Gumbo!” was the theme this year, acknowledging the reality that whole parish has been thrown together in one area.  The Leadership Training is sponsored by the Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program of the Plaquemines Parish School Board and is funded in part by Title IV federal funds.
The weekend graining gives students an opportunity to see how easy it is to really get along with people they don't know, to learn to work together and have a great time. Students always share the comment:  "I made a lot of new friends, met new people and found out that all people are the same." Each team for the weekend chooses their "top guns", the girl and boy exemplifying the qualities of a true leader.			Sixth Grade Students planning an event back at school after the weekend
Top Guns:  Front row: Cayla Poyadou, Thaddeus Sylve, Lindsay Ancar, Shaquille Cosse, Tasha Cox, Jace Ragas. Second Row: Heather Morice, Kohl Thimmesch, Mandy Morice, Joshua Woolsey, Kelsey Soulant, Scott Munkres.  Back Row:  Hien Nguyen, Matthew Scarabin, Megan Hotard, David Simmonds, Nyree Simmonds, Justin Bui, Elizabeth Corso, and Matthew Porche.

“I think the best way to appreciate what this experience means to the kids is to let them speak for themselves,” said Paul Springer, the coordinator of the Leadership Training.   “After I leave here, I’m going to put this training to use by trying to stick up for other people, be myself, and be a better leader.”  “As a result of this training, I will become a better leader and hopefully get in peer mediation, as well as join the SADD club at our school.”  “If I see something wrong, I’ll fix it.”     Wouldn’t it be great if we all saw the world this way.