(Acworth, Ga. – May 16, 2016)
A select group of students are better equipped to excel as leaders in the community after graduating from the Student Leadership Academy – a semester-long program designed to develop students academically to become creative and effective leaders in the workplace. The ceremony was held on Friday, May 13, at Chattahoochee Technical College’s North Metro Campus.
Pictured, from left, are: Cedeno Carter, Connie Vogel-Brown, Steven Orbe, Alexis Dosreis, Jourdan Ortiz, Leah Jean-Francois, David Scanlan, Octavia Bennifield, Stephanie Oliveira, LaTashia Prince, Douglas Edwards, Wendy Chiaravalloti, and Ashley Newcity.
“The academy is an enriching experience for students interested in being leaders. Each student who participates in the Student Leadership Academy has an authentic story to tell, and these students have made a lasting impression on all of us here at Chattahoochee Technical College,” President Dr. Ron Newcomb said.
The Student Leadership Academy consists of five sessions during a semester, and each session is designed to facilitate a better understanding of leadership qualities and principles. Sessions include establishing a personality and leadership profile, teambuilding and conflict resolution, communication skills, and community leadership and networking.
Participants must currently be enrolled as full-time or part-time students taking a minimum of six semester hours of credit courses, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and show evidence of community or work-related leadership activities.
The semester-long program culminates with one student being selected to receive an award of $500. CTC’s Executive Director of Development Melanie Lambert said this year’s Student Leadership Academy Award was presented to Leah Jean-Francois, a Move on When Ready student from Kennesaw.
“Students in the program are asked to submit an essay explaining how the program has impacted their leadership skills, both personally and professionally. Along with the essay, they also submit a letter of recommendation from a member of the faculty or staff. Applications are reviewed by an external committee and the recipient is selected by quality of application and recommendation,” Lambert said.
The Spring 2016 Student Leadership Academy Graduates are:
- Octavia Benfield of Powder Springs
- Cedeno Carter of Marietta
- Wendy Chiaravalloti of Acworth
- Alexis Dosreis of Acworth
- Douglas Edwards of Clarkston
- Leah Jean-Francois of Kennesaw
- Ashley Newcity of Marietta
- Sarah Norris of Canton
- Stephanie Oliveira of Marietta
- Steve Orbe of Marietta
- Jourdan Ortiz of Stockbridge
- LaTashia Prince of Atlanta
- David Scanlan of Mableton
- Connie Vogel-Brown of Woodstock