On November 30, 2011, a group of 30 high school student participants in the UthMpact Leadership Program had the unique opportunity to learn firsthand about the importance of service leadership and the positive impact of volunteerism in our community. The action-packed agenda for UthMpact Service Leadership Day included meeting with administrators, touring the facilities, and serving as volunteers at local nonprofit agencies including Lighthouse Ministries and Viste in Lakeland, along with a stop to visit with elderly residents at Hawthorne Inn.The following summary of the day’s activities was written by participants Richard Anderson and Rachel Martin, students at Harrison School for the Visual and Performing Arts:
During our most recent Leadership Day, UthMpact members assisted at Lighthouse Ministries, made holiday greeting cards at Viste, and visited with the elderly residents at Hawthorne Inn. Lighthouse Ministries provided a guided tour and many hands on projects, including helping with the canned food drive and organizing donations. After a busy morning at Lighthouse, we had an opportunity to show our creative talents by making Holiday cards at Viste. It was very gratifying to know our heartwarming greeting cards will brighten the holidays for the sheltered elderly folks served by Viste programs. Then it was on to Hawthorne Inn, for a fun ending to a productive day. It was so enjoyable for all of us to talk with the elderly residents and hear their stories as they reminisced about their lives. Former Lakeland Assistant Police Chief, Debra Henson, also joined in the fun and brought along her very friendly golden retriever, Jake, who is also a licensed therapy dog…the residents loved him! The entire room joined in singing Christmas Carols, led by Richard and Eugene playing the piano. We will all remember Volunteer Day with fond memories and we look forwarding to sharing our experiences with future UthMpact members.
The UthMpact Leadership Program, spearheaded by InnerAct Alliance, StandUP Polk Coalition, UthMpact Coalition, and key business partners, is designed to help teens develop crucial leadership skills. The 30 student participants have been nominated by their high school principals. The teens will meet with community leaders and experience the inner workings of local government, healthcare, education, and law enforcement. Future theme days include: Education Leadership Day (January 25); Government Leadership Day (February 22); Business Leadership Day (March 28); and Leadership Graduation (April 25).
Applications are currently being accepted for Class II of the Leadership Program. If teens are interested in applying, they should contact their school principal or Veronica Awai, UthMpact Coalition Coordinator, at (863) 802-0777, or by e-mail at: veronica@uthmpact.com. You may also find UthMpact on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UthMpact.
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