by Shavonne Herndon - bio | email
GREGG COUNTY (KYTX) - More than 600 students packed LeTourneau University to learn ways they can lead their school. CBS 19's Shavonne Herndon has more on how a Harvard University system is being introduced right here in East Texas.
These students are stepping out of their comfort zone, and taking a shot at juggling for the first time.
"I didn't think I would get it, but I'm doing better."
Delaine Miley, along with hundreds of other students, are being trained to become leaders through Harvard University's principle model.
"That involves learning activities, reflection, and conversations."
Margaret Davis, with Longview ISD, says more students need to be risk takers.
"Having the confidence to approach a new event or experience with forethought, thinking about what they did, and courage," said Davis.
Through these exercises, students like Miley are ready to apply the different skills at school.
"I'm a junior president of the student council so I think, ok next year I'm going to be the one in charge. I've got to be the one that can step up and take care of everything and get everything done without being told to," said Miley.
Former San Diego Chargers quarterback Neal Jeffrey spoke about how he's overcoming stuttering.
"I talked about how I always saw that as a negative. Why can't I do something? Why does it have to hinder me it? It could actually make me even greater," said Jeffrey.
Jeffrey admits he's a better man because of his risk taking.
"For a student to realize, hey I may be facing things now, but I'm going to face stuff and know how to respond."
Meanwhile, students continue to learn what it takes to be leaders of today and tomorrow.
"It's doesn't matter how old you are, we want to instill that in our young folks in the middle school and high school students that you are leaders now," said Marty Lane, with LeTourneau University.
Organizers had to turn away hundreds of students for this program because of high demand.
East Texas students are the first high school and middle school students in the country to learn this system of leadership.
