Pictured in front from left are Abigail Goble, Tippecanoe Valley High School; Lena Doll, Triton Junior-Senior High School; Allison Clark, Wawasee High School; Leah Forshtay, Lakeland Christian Academy; and Alyx Bates, board of directors. In the back row are Miriel McFarland, board of directors; Reid Deneve, Whitko High School; Var Bobba, Warsaw High School; and Caleb Lechlitner, Northwood High School. Photo provided by Jeremy Dewell.

News Release

WARSAW — The 28th class of the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy recently kicked off another year with their first meeting and a student mixer both held at the Baker Youth Club.

This year’s class is made up of 35 students in their junior year from seven area high schools: Lakeland Christian Academy, Northwood High School, Tippecanoe Valley High School, Triton Junior-Senior High School, Warsaw High School, Wawasee High School and Whitko High School.

During this introductory meeting and the mixer, students met one another and members of the KYLA Board, were given information about what to expect for the upcoming school year and participated in various icebreaker games.

These students will participate in monthly meetings at various locations in Kosciusko County where they will learn about various parts of the community such as government, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare and service agencies. Throughout the year these students will also work towards completing a community service project of their choice. They will present on their experience at the end of the year. These projects and sessions are aimed at strengthening the leadership skills of the students in KYLA and educating them about Kosciusko County.

KYLA exists to provide a positive environment where aspiring high school-aged youth can learn the basics of leadership and become informed, capable leaders that assume active roles in the growth of the community.

For more information about KYLA, go to www.kosciuskoyouthleadership.org.