Cougar Cry Page 11

Seven WCC Students Participate In Second Annual L.E.A.D, Retreat

The Student Activities Office sponsored the L.E.A.D. (Leadership Explora­ tion And Development) Retreat for a selected group of incoming freshmen on July 27-28. The purpose of this retreat was to bring together students from the various high schools in the service area to engage in discussions and information sessions about issues related to college life. Topics that w/ere addressed included leadership training and student leadership op­ portunities available at WCC; services available through the Student ^ rv - ices Office as well as the overall college; career exploration; and a variety of team building activities which were supportive of leadership develop­ ment. In order to be eligible for consideration as a participant in this retreat a student had to meet the following requirements:

Be an incoming freshman at WCC for the fall of 2000 Have a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA from high school Left to right Have demonstrated leadership potential in high school Jonathan Shaffner, Matt W hitm an, Heather Romans, Brian Mathis, Myla Rash, Denny Parunak, Angela Martin Be willing to assist in the development and implementation of 2 student activity programs during the 2000 fall semester

The retreat was held in Boone, NC on the campus of Appalachian State University. This program was organized and conducted by Scott John­ son, Student Activities Coordinator, and Dr. Lynda Black, College Transfer Counselor. A brief description of each student that was selected to participate in this retreat is listed below.

Brian Mathis is a graduate of North Wilkes High School and is the son of Randy and Robin Mathis. While in high school, he was played foot­ ball, and . He was also involved with the Beta Club, Latin Club, Vocal Ensemble, and Key Club. In addition to being actively involved in school activities, Brian is a member of the choir at Little Mountain Baptist Church. Brian plans to enroll in the associate in arts pro­ gram at WCC,

Denny Parunak is a graduate of Ashe County High School and is the son of Herb and Tammy Parunak. While in high school he was a member of the football team, basketball team and cross country team. Denny was also involved with JROTC, the Drill Team and the Raider Team. Denny plans to enroll in the information Systems (concentration in networi< administration and support) program.

Myla Rash is a graduate of Ashe County High School and is the daughter of Sandy and Gary Rash. ' MIe in high school she was involved with basketball, , , and the yearbook staff. Myla also served as seaetary of her senior class and was selected as athlete of the year. In addition to school activities, she is also a member of the youth group at Pine Grove Baptist Church. Myla plans to enroll in the Eariy Childhood Education program.

Heather Romans is a graduate of North Wilkes High School and is the daughter of Michael and Anita Romans. While in high school she was involved with FCCLA, CYO, FCA and Peer Helpers. Heather plans to enroll in the Dental Assisting program.

Jonathan Shaffner is a graduate of East Wilkes High School and is the son of David and Rosalene Shaffner. In high school he was an actively involved with the program. He was also a member of the Academic Club, National Honor Society, and the Dream Team. Besides school activities, Jonathan is a member of his church choir and is a volunteer at Samaritan's Kitchen Jonathan plans to enroll in the associate in arts program.

Matt Whitman is a graduate of East Wilkes High School and is the son of Jennifer and David Whitman. At East Wilkes he was involved with both the Key Club and Quizbowl. Matt is also a member of Wilkesboro Baptist Church. Matt plans to enroll in the associate in science program;

In addition to the freshmen students that participated in this second annual event, Angela Martin, a WCC nursing student, was selected to serve as a student facilitator for the retreat. Angela participated in the program last year as an incoming freshmen and was an active student leader on campus throughout the past school year. As a student facilitator, Angela worked with the retreat coordinators to plan the retreat and as­ sisted with facilitating various activities. Angela is the daughter of Pat and Deborah Martin and she will be serving as the secretary/treasurer of the WCC Student Government Association for the upcoming school year.