Youth academy cadets learn vanishing art of letter writing
Letter writing is often said to be a lost art.
In the Fox Valley, a group of young leaders aims to bring the practice back.
Eighth grade Youth Leadership Academy cadets on Wednesday launched their own line of greeting cards at the Centre Ballroom in Elgin.
The theme?
"Teaching graciousness and valuing accomplishments," said program director LaVita Small.
As part of a business unit teaching students about entrepreneurship, cadets design, market, and sell their cards.
Card themes include thank-you and "kudos" notes.
The goal is "recognizing and respecting accomplishment and manners both hand in hand with teaching leadership skills," Small said.
The Youth Leadership Academy was founded in 1996 to provide early intervention and constructive alternatives for at-risk youth and their families in high-risk neighborhoods.
Students are selected during the second semester of sixth grade and begin Academy activities at the start of seventh grade. Approximately 20 students each year are selected based on their applications, recommendations, family interviews and availability of program funds.
Students participate in the Academy for about two to four hours per week from September through May, continuing during the summer months with camp and other activities.
Each student who successfully completes the Youth Leadership Academy program, and graduates from a District 509-feeder high school will be guaranteed two free years of tuition at Elgin Community College. Judson University provides a two year tuition scholarship to any cadet who graduates from ECC with an associate's degree and an acceptable grade point average.
Cards are available for $5 to $10 a box. For more information, call (847) 214-6965.
Mock trials: Eastview Middle School eighth-grade history students will bring the past to live next week, holding mock trials of Benedict Arnold and Banastre Tarleton (the latter was a British colonel in the Revolutionary War who was known for his cruel and ruthless tactics). The purpose of the assignment, writes history teacher Greg Fair, "is to do what was not done in actual history. Namely, both of these men never stood trial for their crimes!"
South Elgin High artists: Two South Elgin High School students drawings were selected for this year's Illinois Youth Art Month poster.
Works by Kristen Gianaris and Steven Erst, both South Elgin juniors, were chosen from over 100 entries. Youth Art Month posters are distributed each March to educators and state legislators.