Youth Leadership Forum Archives
Tim Moore (YLF 2002) Congratulations to Tim for his outstanding second place finish in the "My Political Hero" essay contest. Tim names John Richmond (one of our very own staff members!) as his Political Hero. Tim writes the following: "I met John Richmond in July 2002 when I participated in the Virginia Youth Leadership Forum (YLF.) John was one of my facilitators. John has worked with me on a regular basis since we met. He has been a mentor, teacher and last but not least my political hero. Without the help of my political hero I do not know where I would be today. I am lucky that I don't have to face the challenge of being a student with a disability alone. John has helped me to understand that a person with a disability can reach their goals even though it might take a little longer and might need to be done in a different way than others." Tim won $500 to be used toward his future education goals. We are very proud of you Tim!
Rachel Bishop (YLF 2005) wants to make sure that other high school students have the opportunity to participate in the YLF. Rachel tells us, "I was afraid that people who could benefit from the YLF were not hearing about the program because they were not in special education. So, when I got back from the YLF this summer I decided I was going to take charge and spread the word myself". Rachel springs to action with a plan, "I'm planning a promotional presentation. The tentative date is November 1. I plan for the presentation to last one hour. I will start with an opening containing the basic details about the YLF and then show the video from the year when I was a delegate. After the video, I will tell the students about my experience, what I got from the YLF, and what the application process involves. I will then have a question and answer period." This shows that Leaders of Tomorrow really do Rise to the Challenge! Keep up the great work Rachel!
Rachel Burchard (YLF 2005) shared the knowledge she gained at the YLF with a parent of a child with a disability who didn't know her rights. Rachel says "I wanted to help someone else advocate for themselves." Good job Rachel!
Steve Meeter (YLF 2005) demonstrates his self advocacy skills by asking his boss for a raise! Steve says "I was nervous."
Mary McAdam (YLF 2004) was this year's YLF Alumni of the Year. Mary has been busy over the summer looking for a college that will meet her needs. She has signed up for a tour at James Monroe University and for college day at VCU! Good luck Mary!
Amy Oulette (YLF 2005) wrote a letter to the YLF staff sharing her "outstanding experience" at the Youth Leadership Forum. Amy says "I feel I learned numerous ideas about leadership and more about my disability rights than I did before the forum. I learned leaders help others, work hard, and plan for their future. One of my lifelong goals was to give parents, friends, teachers, and others with disabilities hope that they can make it in school, higher education, work and society." Amy was also acknowledged at her school with an academic achievement award for her grade point average of 3.3. Wow, you go Amy!
Faith Owens (YLF 2005) has been researching colleges and has selected a few she would like to visit. Faith visited Bridgewater College, Southern Virginia University and Emory and Henry College. Faith has also just completed her first driving lesson! Good luck Faith.
Good job delegates, keep up the great work!
YLF Alumni to Participate in Panel Presentation at the Virginia Transition Forum in Williamsburg. YLF Alumni Stephen Joseph, Danielle Fortney, Sarah Gray and Lenorah Adams will participate in a panel presentation at the Virginia Transition Forum on March 14th, 2005 from 2:30pm-3:30pm at the Williamsburg Marriott Hotel. The YLF Alumni will share their experiences, recommendations and ideas on how to improve Transition services for high school students with disabilities. The Youth Leadership Forum Alumni Planning Committee has worked over the past few months to develop a Top Ten List of Transition Do's and Don'ts. The list will presented in the form of a bookmark at the Transition Forum and will then be distributed statewide. For more information on the YLF Alumni Association Planning Committee please contact Jennifer Peers at (800) 846-4464.
Stephen Joseph (YLF 2003) delivered a special message at Laughs for Habitat, a Greater Lynchburg Habitat for Humanity (GLHFH) fundraiser. The proceeds from this event will benefit a home being built by GLHFH. Stephen continues to amaze us with is outstanding leadership skills and his motivational speaking delivering a powerful message on what it is like to be a person with a disability. You're a natural Stephen!
Blue achievement cards from Mary McAdam (YLF 2004) continue to pour into our office. Mary hand delivered YLF 2005 applications, brochures and information to her Special Education Department. Thanks for going the extra mile Mary!
YLF 2003 Student Delegate, Kim Walters, Student Finalist in Sports Illustrated contest
Kim Walters was born without a right forearm, but by the age of 11, she had set three paralympic American records and one world record in swimming at her classification level. She was also the youngest athlete ever to swim on a U.S. team.
Even though she has had to figure out different ways to do everything from opening presents to riding a bicycle, Kim never lets her disability hold her back. "Once people know me," she says, "they know I don't let things stop me." She is a straight-A student who takes top-level honors courses. She plays an adapted trumpet and French horn in the competitive Albemarle High School wind ensemble and marching band and is active in the German and skiing clubs. She also serves on the board of directors for the regional girl scouts council and earned her silver award by running a weekend camp for girls. "It's amazing what she gets done," says Greg Thomas, Albemarle High School Band Director. "She's an inspiration to her peers, and an inspiration to me."
After her success in swimming at a young age, Kim devoted herself to soccer. She was on her high school junior varsity and a club team, but she stopped playing competitively at age 15 and started fencing, a sport she still enjoys. Always up for a challenge, Kim recently took up rock climbing as well. Her changing tastes in sports are evidence of her desire to prove that she is capable of doing anything-and doing it as well as anyone else.
John Motley (YLF 2004) joined the U.S. Army. John will be in boot camp this summer then returning to high school for his senior year. Upon graduation, he should be taking on his first assignment in the summer of 2006. John is the first YLF Alumni (that we are aware of) to join the service. Congratulations John, we are very proud of you!
Mary McAdams (YLF 2004) recently spoke at a budget hearing in front of more than 400 people asking them to support the Disability Resource Center. Mary McAdam was quoted in her local newspaper as saying "The DRC took a girl with a disability and guided her down the golden road where she found her voice and could achieve her goals." We are very excited that Mary McAdam will be return to the Youth Leadership Forum this year as an alumni staff. Also returning to the 2005 YLF as alumni staff are Rachel Bishop (YLF 2004), Alex Clifton (YLF 2004), Lindsey Rappold (YLF 2004) and Daniel Swift (YLF 2004)
Daniel Swift is a leader in his school volunteering in the office and helping to put together the school newsletter. Daniel has been actively involved in fundraising activities for Mars Inc. and Virginia Diner selling candy and holiday treats.
Christopher Rudder (YLF 2004) also tried his hand at fundraising with the benefits going to help cancer patience. Christopher shared YLF applications with students in his school.
Victor Anderson (YLF 2004) helped out the Knights of Columbus by collecting $372.48 outside Ukrops.
Andrew Sleek (YLF 2004) served in the Sidewalk Sunday School which is an outdoor Christian event for disadvantaged children. He was said to have "served the Ministry to inner city children with great zeal and love for the kids."
