Branson, MO – September 18, 2012 – The Legacy Youth Institute, a new leadership and mentoring program for high school juniors, will begin this Saturday, September 22 at Shepherd of the Hills. Thirty students from eight Taney and Stone County high schools, as well as students from the home school community, will join together to participate in this six-session program designed to equip young leaders to “shape the culture” of Ozark Mountain Country.

The Legacy Youth Institute was born out of a passion to create a tangible, intentional opportunity for today’s community leaders to pass on our “Ozark Mountain Spirit”— a deep respect for Family, Faith, Friends, Flag, and ensuring a preferred Future—to the next generation. Community leaders and organizations will partner with the Legacy Youth Institute in each session to provide a mentoring experience for student participants.

“It is important to equip and empower our youth to take a leadership role in influencing the future of Ozark Mountain Country,” said Sue Head, Dean of Character Education at College of the Ozarks. “The Legacy Youth Institute will be a powerful experience that will challenge students to see themselves as a vital part of preserving the legacy of our area.”
 
Area superintendents and high school principals recognize the benefit of this type of student leadership program. “We are blessed in this area to have tremendous leaders who have strong values,” said Chip Arnette, Branson High School Principal. “Any time that our students get the opportunity to interact with these men and women is of great benefit. The Legacy Youth Institute will help empower tomorrow’s leaders to strengthen our community in the future.”

Saturday’s Kick-off Retreat for the Legacy Youth Institute will allow students from all across the area to get to know each other, learn important leadership skills, and hear about the area’s heritage and core value of Faith. Legacy Youth Institute sessions on Family, Friends, Flag, and Future are scheduled monthly, and the program will culminate in March with a Graduation Banquet.

For more information about the Legacy Youth Institute, please contact Ozark Mountain Legacy at (417) 598-1314, or visit www.ozarkmountainlegacy.org.

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