Student leaders aim to inspire high-schoolers
Student leaders from the University of North Georgia (UNG) shared their wisdom and experience with almost 500 high school student organization leaders Sept. 9 at UNG's Dahlonega Campus.
Hosted by UNG's TRUIST Center for Ethical Leadership in partnership with UNG’s Office for Community Engagement, the Career/Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) Leadership & Planning Summit helped the high school students engage in strategic planning for their 2026-27 activities.
Cleo Johnson, a senior from Kennesaw, Georgia, pursuing a degree in management, serves as Student Government Association (SGA) president and is also a cadet captain who is commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company in the Corps of Cadets. He was grateful to share some tips with the students in hopes of helping them avoid burnout.
"We wanted to give them some insights into the college experience so they're more prepared," Johnson said. "Being older and having an impact on the younger generation of students is a blessing. Seeing someone successful who's older than they are hopefully gives them something to look forward to and someone to look up to during this time."
Sigourney Waina, a senior from Jasper, Georgia, pursuing a degree in English with a writing and publication concentration, serves as SGA vice president at the Dahlonega Campus. She could identify with the high school student group leaders, as she was part of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) while in high school. Waina also appreciated the questions students asked her.
"They're involved, engaged and active," Waina said. "It means a lot to be able to share my experience with these students and also to be able to encourage more students to get involved in leadership."
Student leaders attending the CTSO Summit came from high schools in Forsyth, Hall and Lumpkin counties. Groups represented included DECA, FBLA, FFA, FCCLA, Georgia Career & Technical Instruction, Georgia Technology Student Association, GeorgiaFIRST Robotics, HOSA-Future Health Professionals, and SkillsUSA.
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