Teens train for leadership at state level

Seventeen youth from throughout Wood County attended the Ohio Teen Institute Leadership training program. The event was held July 18-22 at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio.

Students who attended included Kandie King, Amber Studyvin, and Breanna Reardon, all from Lake; Diamond Lorenc and Jeremy Teneyck, both from Penta Career Center; Ashley Baisden, Jessica Simon, and Jennifer Noykos, all from North Baltimore; Carli Kehres, from Eastwood; Kaylyn Haynes, Andrea Howard and Dustin Boltin, from Northwood; Christina Hohman, Bridget Cushard, and Emily Gerken, from Bowling Green; and Katie Rodriguez, and Emily Cohen, both from Rossford.

All students were able to attend through scholarships provided by the Wood County Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board through the Wood County Educational Service Center’s alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention program. The students are members of the Wood County Teen Institute programs offered through their schools.

Through the program, students develop skills to become positive leaders within their schools and communities. They also are equipped with the knowledge and abilities to not only make positive choices for themselves, but also to encourage their peers to make healthy choices.

Throughout the week, students participated in small discussion groups, attended workshops, listened to motivational speakers, and participated in a talent show.

“The only regret that I have about OTI is that I didn’t come sooner," said Gerken. "The enthusiasm and excitement prepared me to make a difference in my community.”

“I loved my family group," added Kehres. "They are all my new best friends. I can’t wait to go home and text them.”

The week-long program also included training for adults interested in or currently working with youth. ATOD on-sites Michelle Von Lehmden (Otsego) and Tonya Lentz (Elmwood) attended state T.I. for this advocate training.

On-site Jeanine Lindquist (Lake) attended as a State T.I. staff member.

Former Wood County T.I. members J.C. Gospadarek, Sean Williams, and Sarah Rutz; and current North Baltimore T.I. member Ashlee Quantic, also attended as youth staff.

Wood County T.I. members and leaders at State T.I. training.