A new generation of leaders is developing essential skills through the Youth at Leaders Club (YAL).
Through the two-year program, students learn to navigate real problems, build relationships with other students in the county, and plan community service projects. Once a month, YAL students from MCS meet with peers from other Schoharie County schools at the Schoharie Presbyterian Church, where they focus on leadership activities.
Team-building activities are guided by Sean Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens, which include:
- Be proactive
- Begin with the end in mind
- Put first things first
- Think win-win
- Seek first to understand, then to be understood
- Synergize
- Sharpen the saw
Middleburgh Class of 2025-26 members include sophomores Alvira B., Salvatore F., Robert N., Max S., Cecilia S., and juniors Aleah B., Coraline B., Jane J., Lillian K., Caitlyn L., and Elysse S.
It’s Salvatore’s first year in YAL and he says he’s looking forward to learning how to be a better leader. He already has some experience: he was a captain for his soccer team. Max, who is also a sophomore, says, “I’m excited to learn more about the values of a leader and how they impact other people in their daily lives.”
Lillian says, “I would like to enhance self-awareness, master collaboration, and teamwork, and gain experience with advocacy.” As a junior, she already has a year of YAL experience to draw on and has also taken on other leadership roles at MCS.
“I’ve been president for my class since 9th grade, and I’m involved in the program Sweethearts and Heroes, where we help younger kids know the difference between being mean and bullying and how you can be a hero and a sweetheart to other kids,” Lillian said. “It involves getting together as a group and talking about our community and what we want to fix and improve for the students and environment.”
As the long-term club advisor, Paul Pierce has seen YAL’s impact firsthand.
“The original goal of YAL was to help students connect with their peers beyond their individual school districts, so they could become partners in shaping the future of the region,” Pierce said. “I’ve seen that goal come to fruition, with some YAL graduates going on to start businesses. YAL members build strong networks that have lasting impact.”
At their October 16 meeting with their regional peers, they practiced communication and team-building skills and learned how to support the mission of the Animal Shelter of Schoharie County. Ahead, they’ll support a carnival to benefit Head Start, prepare fruit baskets for seniors, take part in Legislative Day at the NYS Capitol and more.
You must be logged in to post a comment.