As part of its mission to promote health and wellness, Cleveland Chiropractic College served as host for the 7th Annual Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) Sept. 1. The day included 190 middle and high school students, from 21 area schools, who gathered on campus to address problem behavior in their schools and communities. More than 50 adult sponsors were also in attendance to help the students address a wide range of issues, including substance abuse and bullying.
The summit was sponsored by the Regional Prevention Center (RPC) and the Johnson County STOP Underage Drinking Project, and was made possible by a grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation. The students heard a presentation by Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove, who was the keynote speaker. He encouraged them to remain confident in their own personality and abilities. In his “childlike” presentation, Cosgrove persuaded students to lead with their own youthful imagination, energy and openness.
Students also participated in breakout sessions led by a variety of entities, including the Wichita Mayors Youth Council, Kansas SADD Leadership Council, Wheatridge Middle School and Tobacco Free Kansas Coalition. The presenters used their time with the students help inspire them with action plans to address negative behaviors in their schools.
This is the fourth year Cleveland has hosted the YLS, and Shana Burgess, RPC prevention project coordinator, is pleased about the ongoing collaboration with the College.
“We are very grateful to have this partnership with CCC,” Burgess said. “Cleveland’s staff has always gone above and beyond to make the day run like clockwork and the facilities are absolutely beautiful! This is a great way to honor the hard work and dedication of our local high school and middle school student leaders. With a shared value of health and well-being of our youth, the College, along with RPC and the Johnson County STOP Underage Drinking Project, were able to pull off a successful day to jump-start prevention efforts in schools throughout the community.”
Dr. Karen Doyle, director of the Master of Science in Health Promotion degree program at the College, was excited to again be a part of the event.
“YLS is a wonderful event for us to host,” Doyle said. “We are privileged to support efforts where student leaders strategically design health and wellness initiatives for their unique campus. Shana and her team, along with student sponsors, teachers and volunteers, should be commended for their planning and preparation. This was a great day for the purpose of promoting a healthier community.”
The partnership between the College and the RPC allows the Cleveland to advance its mission to serve others, while at the same time preparing area youth for a stronger and more productive future.
