LEARNING TO LEAD: RITCHIE SECURES $5,000 FOR PHOENIX CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced she has delivered $5,000 to help support John C. Birdlebough High School’s “Student Leadership Group,” a program that aims to teach students the importance of citizenship, responsibility, community involvement and other leadership characteristics.

“From studying for exams, to sports and other extracurricular activities, high school can be a very hectic time for students,” said Senator Ritchie.

“However, the young people who are part of John C. Birdlebough High School’s Student Leadership Group have learned there are still ways to find time to make a difference and become a leader in school, as well as outside of the classroom.  I’m pleased to be able to provide this funding, which will help support students as they continue to cultivate the leadership skills that will help them succeed later in life.”

“From food drives that help feed hungry families to events that aim to engage other students and teach them to become leaders, our Student Leadership Group plays a major role in teaching students to think about their actions as leaders in our school, our community and beyond,” said John C. Birdlebough High School English teacher and the group’s advisor, Lisa Spereno.

“This funding will help us make an even greater impact as the Student Leadership Group works to better our school and community, and we can’t thank Senator Ritchie enough for recognizing the importance of encouraging our young people to become leaders.”

“It takes a special type of student to want to make becoming a leader a priority at such a young age and here at John C. Birdlebough High School, we consider ourselves lucky to have so many students want to step up to the plate and make a difference through our Student Leadership Group,” said John C. Birdlebough High School social studies and government teacher Carol Blackburn.

“This funding delivered by Senator Ritchie will be tremendously helpful as the members of our Student Leadership Group continue to work to develop their leadership skills and make a difference here at school as well as in our community.  We can’t thank her enough for her support.”

Last year, Senator Ritchie took part in a luncheon hosted by the John C. Birdlebough’s Student Leadership Group, where she was honored for her own leadership qualities and talked with students about the qualities of successful leaders and the importance of service to one’s community.