Yorkville High Schoolers Graduate With Leadership Training to Combat Bullying

YORKVILLE, IL –Five Yorkville High School sophomores graduated from a Student Leadership Initiative Program last night, marking the completion of a year-long intensive training program. The training partnered students from five area high schools and the Kendall County Outdoor Education Center.

The students completed experiential learning, hands on application, community outreach and service learning. The five Yorkville High School students will bring these experiences back to their school by serving as leaders in the Teens Activating the Language of Kindness program. This program aids to spread the messages of compassion, kindness and to demonstrate leadership to all fellow students.

"I learned how to use my leadership qualities in a group of people with varying ages," said sophomore Katie Neahring. "And I hope to bring it back to the community by being able to help others and lead my peers to make good decisions."

TALK began at Oswego High School in 2001 by Ralph Mitchner to promote dialogue and combat bullying. It’s been helping hundreds of young adults connect with one and other. It teaches high school students the tools to cope with conflict, and the daily struggles of young adulthood.

Students pictures from Yorkville High School: Katie Neahring, Sydney Yurt, Josh Larsen, Katie Moga and Hailee Hartzold

Photo via Yorkville Community Unit School District