SLPS Students Chosen for Missouri Youth Leadership Forum
High school students with disabilities will learn to lead by example

St. Louis - Two Vashon High School students and a student from Nottingham Community Access & Job Training High School (CAJT) have been selected as delegates for the Missouri Youth Leadership Forum. The forum, specifically designed for students with disabilities, will be held July 22-25, 2007 at the University of Missouri-Columbia. The program offers training that encourages students to lead by example.

Three juniors will represent St. Louis Public Schools: Anthony Brendel, who attends Nottingham CAJT, and Tameka and Tamira Simmons, who attend Vashon. (Tamira and Tameka are twin sisters.) The Governor’s Council on Disability and the Missouri Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities are sponsoring the event.

“We are thrilled that these hard-working students have been tapped as delegates,” said Superintendent Diana Bourisaw. “The forum presents a positive environment in which disabled young people can enhance their leadership skills, identify career goals, and develop a sense of community.”

As part of the four-day program, students will meet and share experiences with successful adults with disabilities. The agenda also includes sessions covering assistive technology and independent living.