Haverling students chosen for world leadership forum

PHOTO PROVIDED Dana Lyon 5th-graders Shannon Barry, Ellen Eichensehr, Arianna Manikas, Alexandra Schlecter and Sarah Wright will participate in world leadership conference in Washington

BATH - Five students from the Bath-Haverling Central School District have been selected for participation in the People to People World Leadership Forum to take place in Washington D.C. in Oct.

Students Shannon Barry, Ellen Eichensehr, Ariana Manikas, Alexandra Schlechter and Sarah Wright, currently 5th grade students at the Dana Lyon Elementary School, were nominated and accepted for this honor based upon their outstanding academic achievement, civic involvement and leadership potential.

From Capitol Hill and the Supreme Court to the Smithsonian Institution, and from Colonial Williamsburg and the Jamestown Settlement to National Monuments and Memorials, the students will examine the characteristics of American leadership during various times in the nation's history.

Forum delegates will also participate in small-group discussions and exercises to experience first-hand how successful leaders develop strategies, make decisions, build consensus and foster positive change.

"We're very excited to be joining hundreds of other students from around the country in Washington D.C. to learn more about our nation and how we can become better leaders," said Schlechter. "We know this is a special opportunity and responsibility to represent our school and our community to others," added Ellen.

The People to People World Leadership Forum was founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956. He envisioned the program as a way to foster world citizenship and to promote peace through learning and understanding.