Continuing On The Path To Becoming Leaders: Ritchie Delivers Funding For In-School Leadership Programs

Continuing her efforts to support leadership programs in schools throughout Central and Northern New York, State Senator Patty Ritchie has announced she has secured funding to support efforts to teach students leadership skills that will help them have brighter futures. 

$9,000 in special funding secured by Senator Ritchie will benefit three school districts in St. Lawrence and Oswego Counties.  Last year, Senator Ritchie delivered $9,000 to help support in-school leadership programs, including Phoenix Central School District’s “Student Leadership Group,” Massena Central School District’s “Link Crew” program and the Heuvelton Central School District Leos Club.

“Building leadership skills is a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to helping students be successful not only in school, but also in their future careers,” said Senator Ritchie.

“Programs, like those that were awarded funding, help students improve their self confidence and acquire important tools that will help them achieve their goals today—and in the future.  I am pleased to be able to provide this funding and am hopeful it will allow more of our region’s young people become leaders and set good examples for their peers to follow.”

School districts receiving funding are as follows:

Lisbon Central School District: $5,000 for the “Learn to Lead” mentoring program;

Massena Central School District: $2,000 for the “Link Crew” program; and

Phoenix Central School District: $2,000 for the “Student Leadership Group”

“Our Learn to Lead mentoring program has been a tremendous success, allowing our high school students to apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to develop leadership skills and build positive relationships with their peers,” said Lisbon Central School Superintendent Patrick Farrand.  “This funding delivered by Senator Ritchie will go a long ways toward helping our students make a difference not only in school, but in the community as well and we can’t thank her enough for her continued support.”

 “As our juniors and seniors work with freshman students helping them to adjust to their first year in high school, the Link Crew program has had a positive impact and we are grateful to Senator Ritchie for providing the funding to allow this important program to continue,” said Massena Central School Superintendent Patrick Brady.

“Members of our Student Leadership Group are learning lifelong skills and values that not only will help them prepare for life outside the classroom but will provide them with the necessary skills to make a difference in their community and their lives,” said John C. Birdlebough High School English teacher and the Student Leadership Group Advisor Lisa Spereno.

In addition to securing funding for in-school leadership programs in recent years, Senator Ritchie also hosts interns in her offices, helping high-school and college students to gain hands-on work experience and become more career-ready.