Cougar Cry
Page 15
Student Leadership Institute
Scott Michael and Carrie Rogers from Wilkes Community College graduated from the prestigious Student
Leadership Institute (SLI) on July 23, 1999 at Peace College. The SLI was funded by a Reserve Fund Grant
from the North Carolina Community College System Office, and only 29 students were selected from those
nominated by the 58 community colleges in the state.
The week-long SLI provided intensive study into leadership skills. In addition to creating group campus projects that will be offered
to all colleges in the system, students produced a leadership newspaper (The Lead Story), and participated in a variety of workshops
including Dr. Ben Bissell's "Dealing with Difficult People," etiquette and professional dress, parliamentary procedures and commu
nication skills.
The SLI is a pilot program that is committed to training NC community college students and potential lead
ers in the skills employers are demanding. The institute resulted from years of planning and preparation by
Karen Yerby, director of student support services at Stanly Community College in Albemarle, NC, and Joan
McLendon, counselor at Johnston Community College in Smithfield. There are more than 750,000 students
in the North Carolina Community College system, and the founders are determined that such a presence in
the workforce needs support and leadership training.
Graduates of the program will return to their campuses and provide training outlets for their student bodies.
Seven WCC Freshmen Participate In First Annual L.E.A.D. Retreat
By Scott Johnson
L.E.A.D. (Leadership Exploration And De
group of incoming freshmen on July 23-24,
gether students from the various high schools
and information sessions about issues related
included leadership training and student
services available through the Student Serv-
reer exploration; and a variety of team build-
ership development. In order to be eligible
treat a student had to meet the following re-
1. Be an incoming freshman at WCC for the fall of 1999;
2. Have a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA from high school;
3. Have demonstrated leadership potential in high school; and
4. Be willing to assist in the development and implementation of 2 student activity programs during the 1999 fall semester.
The retreat was held in Boone, NC on the campus of Appalachian State University. This program was organized and conducted by
Scott Johnson, Student Activities Coordinator, and Dr. Lynda Black, College Transfer Counselor. A brief description of each student
that was selected to participate in this retreat is listed below.
Derick Bell is a graduate of North Wilkes High School and is the son of Ricky and Cheryl Bell. While in high school he was active
in the Beta Club, X-Cel Club, Law Enforcement Explorers and Drama Club. He also served as vice-president of the Student Council.
Derick plans to enroll in the associate in arts program at WCC.
Breanna Jolly is a graduate of East Wilkes High School and is the daughter of Bobby and Helen Jolly. While in high school she was
involved in the National Honor Society, Academic Club, Key Club, FCA, SADD, Latin Club, French Club and Madrigal Singers.
Breanna plans to enroll in the associate in arts program at WCC.
Angela Martin is a graduate of West Wilkes High School and is the daughter of Pat and Deborah Martin. While is high school she
was involved with track, Girl Scouts, Student Government and the Key Club. She is also active with her Youth Choir. Angela plans
to enroll in the associate in arts/pre-major - nursing curriculum at WCC.
The Student Activities Office sponsored the
velopment) Weekend Retreat for a selected
The purpose of this retreat was to bring to-
in the service area to engage in discussions
to college life. Topics that were addressed
leadership opportunities available at WCC;
ices Office as well as the overall college; ca-
ing activities which were supportive of lead-
for consideration as a participant in this re
quirements:
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