Four students from Bellwood-Antis graduated form a premier leadership program at the Penn State Altoona Campus on May 7, sophomores Noah Gulvas, Alex McCartney, Brayden Litzinger, Olivia Rishell.
The program is called Blair County Leadership, a year-long program designed to show students how to be a leader throughout their school and to be a good example for others.
Freshman students apply, and then the Blair County Chamber of Commerce picks the students they feel show the best qualities of a leader and mentor. The program then begins in their sophomore year.
Students meet once a month at the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center and go over a chapter of a book called “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens.” In addition, they take field trips and listen to presentations on leadership.
“BCL gives people countless necessary qualities for life, but the qualities that were focused on are public speaking, communication, making connections, leadership, and being an overall better person,” said Gulvas.
Both Noah and Alex both recommended this program to every freshman, stating that it’s a very rewarding experience that allows you to make all sorts of friendships with people you never wouldn’t have.
“I’ve met some very nice people through this program, and I will miss it a ton,” said Alex.
Nineteen students in all were recognized at the awards ceremony, representing almost all of Blair County’s schools. Students recognized came from Altoona, Bellwood-Antis, Bishop Guilfoyle, Central, Hollidaysburg, Tyrone, and Williamsburg.
Each student received a certificate and had a chance to speak about their time in the program.
