The Chamber would like to recognize the following 2011 Youth Leadership Program graduates:
Nolan Anderson
The Leadership Program taught me about the services and industries in Superior. There is a good chance I wouldn't have had any exposure to this had I not been a part of this program. I am developing a better understanding of different leadership styles and the areas where I need to grow to become an effective leader in the community I choose to reside in.
Rebecca Anderson
I plan to attend Saint Catherine University in St. Paul. My major will be Elementary Education with minors in Spanish and English Literature.
Through the Leadership Program I learned about what our community has to offer. I learned that there will be jobs available in this community after I am done with college. In this program you learn what being a leader means, how to be a leader, and what a leader means to its followers. This Program helped me to break out of my shell and taught me how to voice my opinion. Being in Leadership was a great opportunity that I will never forget.
Melissa Archambault
I am attending UMD in the fall for business.
In the last two years I have learned all about Superior and our community. I am leaving this program a better leader. I have made many new friends and connections that I will never forget.
Brandi Bauer
My plans after high school are to attend UMD to complete my generals and then transfer down to the UM-Twin Cities campus. After transferring I am planning on pursuing a degree in criminal law. I will then attend the UM-Twin Cities law school to become a prosecuting lawyer.
After two years in the leadership program I have learned many things. One of the most important things I feel I am taking away is that I can talk to more people more openly. I feel myself opening up more to people. Whether it is at school, actually within the program, or even FFA functions, I find myself meeting more people. I am also taking away the leadership skills I feel are necessary for my future. You can't be a lawyer without the ability to hold the room.
Ryan Bayless
I am going to UMD's College of Liberal Arts undeclared. I am considering both Political Science and Communications to continue onto law school, and maybe even get into politics.
Most of all, I've learned the importance of working with a team. Through communication and the ability to compromise, working with a team can create amazing results.
Robby Blair
My plan after High School is to attend WITC in Superior for Business Management. I would like to continue working and running my business while I am attending school, and staying active in 4-H, FFA, and DECA.
After my experiences in Youth Leadership, I realized how much our area had to offer for someone who wants to have their own business, and still stay in the community. The wide range of businesses we were able to learn about, made me realize I could be a success as an entrepreneur.
Rob Dembroski
I plan on attending UW-Stout next year to major in Construction Management.
What I will take most from the program is the knowledge I gained about our area and the businesses in it. Without being in Youth Leadership I never would have known how much goes on in our small city on a national and global level.
Zac Erickson
After graduation, I plan to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison and pursue a degree in Biology.
Over my two years in the Leadership Program, to say that I ‘participated’ would be an understatement. Right from the start I realized how active one has to be in order to benefit from the program. ‘You get what you put in to it’ was a reoccurring theme over my experience. This mantra was with me throughout, and will be with me as I head off to college this fall. One of my most memorable experiences over the course of the program wasn’t the Disney trip, but when the
small group I was in went to clean the Harbor House. This is a place for single women to go when they fall on hard times. The work was tough, but the gratification I got at the end of the day was definitely worth every minute of scrubbing. The residents’ appreciation was overwhelmingly positive and humbling. Leadership has given me the opportunity to give back to the community for what it has given to me.
Levi Felton
This fall I will be attending the University of Wisconsin Madison. Needless to say, I'll be getting out of Superior for a little while, living on campus, and enjoying the sights. At the moment, I'm looking at going through "several" years of pre-med and medical school and hoping to eventually apply my degree(s) as a specialist. For now, I'm leaning toward a career in anesthesiology, but I'm open to other opportunities that I might chance upon while in school. College has a way of opening up doors
and I'm not one to close them.
In the two years I've participated in the Chamber Youth Leadership Program, I've gained a much greater understanding of what the word "community" really means. Given the opportunity to speak with local leaders in business, charitable organizations, and local government, I've come away from the experience a richer man. The leadership program has given me the opportunity to see what Superior, our own community, has to offer, goods and services that myself and my peers would have never thought available
so close to home. Whether I stay in Superior or not, the lesson learned is universal, you never know what resources you have available to you in your own backyard unless you take the time to look.
Steve Fruehauf
After high school, I will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to further my education. I feel the campus and staff have my best interest and my education at heart. I hope to major in either journalism or teaching in this secondary education. After college, if I decide on journalism, I would like to get a job in Madison, Chicago, the Twin Cities, or Milwaukee. If I decide on teaching, I would like to find a job near or in the Twin Ports.
After spending two years in the program, I have definitely noticed some transformations in myself. When I am talking in front of groups now, I don't feel those nerves come over me as I did as a freshman or sophomore. That's the big difference and I believe that's what my goal was entering the Youth Leadership Program. I also see myself becoming a better problem solver, alongside my fellow members in the program. I hope the last couple meetings we have together utilize of these skills.
Chris Fuhrman
After High School I plan to attend UW-Superior. As of now I'm undeclared but hopefully once I begin college I can find something that really interests me.
These two years in the program have made me a better speaker and a more active participant in group activities. I also feel more informed about my community and how I can improve it.
Joshua Hensrud
I am planning on going to The University of North Dakota, and entering Air Force ROTC. I am interested in a major for Electrical Engineering or Unmanned Aircraft Piloting.
I am talking away many good memories with great people, important leadership qualities, and insight into how my community works. These experiences will no doubt serve me well in the future.
Adam Holden
I am going to be attending the College of St. Scholastica in the fall and majoring in Health Information Management and minoring in Computer Information Systems. I am thinking about trying to double major in CIS if I can do it in less than five years.
I learned how important it is to work together as a team. The training we received at Disney World really opened my eyes to this. It was nice to have the opportunity to take what we learned and do something with it this year. I also learned a lot about the city of Superior. I always thought I would have to move to the cities to find a decent paying job. I learned that we have a great community here in Northern Wisconsin and would like to stay and be a part of our community after I graduate from college. Thank
you and your staff for all the hard work you put into offering us this program Dave.
Alayna Johnson
This fall I will be attending the University of Minnesota Morris. My current plan consists of majoring in environmental science, with possible minors in either art or journalism. More tentatively speaking, I am strongly considering serving in the Peace Corps after my undergraduate studies, then moving on to grad school in whatever field I choose. Tentative is the keyword here, as always.
Being one of only a handful of students from my high school, I was faced with having to learn to open up a lot more with people I did not know in the slightest. I also learned a lot about local businesses and the services they offer, organized efforts to better the Superior area, and the people behind these undertakings. Throughout the program I learned that the effort and communication you put into a project ultimately contributes to how effective it is, and choosing to do so is often a conscientious decision
made by everyone in the group. Hard work pays off, and while sitting on the sidelines may be easier at times, working together with a team is a lot more rewarding. These are skills I know I will be able to bring along with me.
Christine Johnstad
After High School I plan on attending UW-Eau Claire for Nursing.
After two years of being in the Leadership Program I have gained knowledge about my community and all the businesses it entails with many opportunities.
Cody Kitch
I plan on attending the University of Minnesota-Rochester to obtain a Bachelor's of Sciences in Health Sciences, after which I plan on attending either Medical or Pharmacy school.
After being in this program for the past two years, I have learned a lot about myself. But more importantly, I have learned about the great town I have grown up in as well as the phenomenal people in it. The experiences that I had through this program have changed me for the better, and I will never forget the times I had.
Kelsey Krob
After I graduation I am attending the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire to start on my generals. I am currently undecided on a major.
After two years of the program I learned a lot about the community I live in. I got to see many businesses and their leaders that I never knew existed in Superior. I also learned how to become involved with the people and organizations of our community. I was taught how to be a more confident and responsible individual. It showed me all of the different possibilities there are for me to choose as I grow up.
Eric LaGesse
I plan on attending UMD with a major in political studies, and minors in history and philosophy. These degrees will help me in getting into law school after my four years at UMD.
These last two years have been an eye opening experience for me in just seeing what the local area has to offer for us. I mean I never knew Genesis did what it did, or that Superior Films was as countrywide as it was. My senior year was an eye opening experience, because it taught me how hard it is to get a large project done. All the groups started with grandiose plans for our projects, but we all had to cut back as time constraints and the sheer magnitude of what we were attempting to accomplish became apparent.
Austin Lindstrom
I will be attending the University of Wisconsin Madison in pursuit of a Bachelor's Degree and eventually a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I also hope to minor in Spanish.
Youth Leadership has taught me how to become more involved within my community, made me more aware of facets of our community I had not previously acknowledged, and Youth Leadership has ultimately provided me with a leadership learning experience that will benefit me throughout the rest of my life. The workshops I was able to participate in while in Disney allowed me to grow not only as a student, but also as an individual. I would recommend this program to any high school student who wishes to augment their
repertoire of leadership techniques and in due course become an outstanding, constructive member of society.
Thomas Lisak-Dorfman
I plan on attending University of North Dakota
I'm taking away greater knowledge of my community and its vast variety of businesses that I never knew where around here and how they interact with the nation and world.
Danielle Lundgren
My plans after graduation are to stay around here the first year. Then after that I plan to transfer, my plan is it go into something dealing neonatal intensive care unit. I'm not set on where I want to go just yet.
I have taken multiple things away from leadership my past two years. I've learned to give something without getting anything in return. I've also learned that it's okay to step out of your shell without worrying what others are going to think. After the program I've taken away a lot, I learned so many things about myself and have done things I never thought I would. The program has made me become a better person and taught me things I'll use the rest of my life.
Menisha Mahan
I plan on attending the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire to pursue an education in Biology I am majoring in biology for my pre-medical degree so I can go onto medical school to pursue a career as a dermatologist.
Youth Leadership has been a great experience in my high school career, I have made new friends and learned a lot about what kind of a leader I am. Being in this program inspired me to want to become a leader when I graduate high school. I would like to make a difference in people’s lives by furthering my education to become a doctor. On our interview day, I met someone who inspired me to do my senior project on Educational Administration. Youth Leadership has allowed me to expand, to open up and communicate
with my peers, step up and take responsibility when necessary. During our junior year going to Florida allowed our class to bond and open up to each other, while during the year we learned about Superior, how businesses are run and what it takes to run a business. Our senior year was up to us then and although there were some scheduling conflicts we still had to find what skills people had and set people to work on our own, our group decided to build school spirit which will take longer than just this year but
we planted a seed that will grow throughout the years at Superior High School.
Megan Malyuk
As a senior, I've had to think about what I want to do after graduation. I've had the choices of what college I want to attend, what I want to study, what career I would like to have, and what activities, if any, I will be involved with post high school. I have chosen to go to UMD to study chemistry. My endeavors are to work in the medical field to cure people because I find it very rewarding. Being a part of SHS dance team, I learned that sports are crucial to be involved in. I have decided to try out for the
UMD dance team. They received second place at nationals so I'm excited to push myself into improving as a dancer. Although this goal is several years away, I ultimately hope to have a family and live happily in a suburb of the twin cities, if not the east coast. Life is about taking things one step at a time and Youth Leadership helped teach me that.
What I took away from Youth Leadership were life lessons that I wouldn't have known about this soon in life if I hadn't been a member. It taught me the importance of supporting local businesses, like Jimmy Johns. I also learned bonding with new people is a key ingredient to live a happy and social life. It helps find yourself while learning about other people. Meeting new people creates bonds that can be irreplaceable. A final lesson Youth Leadership taught me is the responsibility of giving. Throughout our meetings,
we helped clean The Salvation Army building and tend to the Harbor House. Meeting the people who lived there allowed me to appreciate my life even more. Giving is a gift that is unforgotten and I wouldn't have experienced the things I did if it wasn't for this program.
Justin Markon
I plan to begin at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. While there I plan on studying political science, as well as possibly peace studies and theology. Eventually, I will probably go on to grad school, and then work in the State Department or similar group.
Because of Youth Leadership and being able to know the instructors, I have come to a better appreciation for my local area and everything in it, as well as how all the people and groups are related. The lessons learned in junior year have transferred to other areas in my life, like becoming an Eagle Scout, and I am proud to have been a part of this program. Wherever I go on to next, I know I will always be learning and leading wherever it is fit. I will also be able to tie a tie blindfolded.
Shaun Mattson
After high school I will be attending the University of Minnesota Duluth and majoring in marketing. After I graduate from UMD I would love to go to the University of Minnesota for their graduate program in sports management. My dream job would be working anywhere in the NFL and hopefully I will be achieve this dream.
Two years in this program has gone by so fast. I believe I have become a better leader both in my school and my community because of it. I am no longer afraid to take charge but I also learned that you have to be able to sit back and let other people lead too. I know that the time put into this program was well worth it. I also learned to dream big. This program teaches you that anything is possible.
Abby McCall
I plan on attending Michigan Technological University. I am planning on majoring in Biological Sciences: Pre-Medicine.
Youth Leadership has taught me that in order to get the most from your community, it's imperative to be involved and give back to the community. I have also learned what makes a good leader and how to apply those skills in everyday life.
Alex Meehan
I will be attending the University of Minnesota Duluth with an undeclared major. I will be joining the Air Force ROTC and my goal is to become a fighter pilot for the Air Force.
I have learned that Superior has plenty to offer its citizens. I learned that we all have something we can give back and something we all can take away from this community. I know I will make that a positive response graduating from this program.
Sam Minor
After graduation I plan on attending the University of Wisconsin River Falls. There I plan to obtain an undergraduate degree in Psychology as a preemptive study to either graduate school or medical school.
After being in the Leadership Program for two years I have taken away many important things. Two that have really stuck out to me and become very important to me are these: You can only ever take out what you put into something, Try something new for if you do not you will never move from where you are.
Bettye Nelson
I'm going to UW-Eau Claire.
All of the job opportunities that Superior have to offer.
Marki Nelson
After graduation I’m attending University of Wisconsin Stevens Point to major in communicative disorders, and elementary education. After college I plan on becoming a speech teacher at an elementary school.
After being in Douglas County Youth Leadership for two years, I have learned so much about our community, and about myself. During my junior year, I was able to learn more in depth about the businesses and leaders here in our community, and expand my leadership skills. My senior year has given me the opportunity to use those skills I have gained and focus them on bettering our community.
Emily Noble
I plan to go to University of Superior Wisconsin, undecided what to be.
I'm taking away friends, memories, confidence, knowledge of my surroundings and community, and a new Emily that wouldn't have been who she is today if she wouldn't of joined this program.
Lydia Noble
I am attending UW-Stout to work for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. I am majoring in Graphic Design and minoring in Photography. My dream job would be to work as a cartoonist or animator.
Youth Leadership has really taught me to embrace my community. Superior is flourishing with opportunity in business and good community leaders. This program was a great tool to help me see into the opportunities of this town.
Cassandra O'Neill
When I am done with high school I plan to go to UWS for my generals and hopefully play softball there. I am undecided with my major at the moment.
What I took out of this program is what I put into it. I knew that the only way to get a real experience is to put all I have into it. I took out communication skills, team work, team bonding, and the ability to voice my opinion. Thanks for the great experience. It was a joy and a pleasure to be able to do this program.
Caitlin Pendleton
I'll be attending Harvard in the fall with the intention of becoming either a lawyer or a journalist.
I've taken away quite a few skills, but most significantly, I've learned valuable team-building skills.
Eric Quam
My plans after High School is that I am going to UW-Stout to major in civil engineering and also I want to get a MBA (Master in Business Administration) from UW-Madison right after my bachelor's degree. Also I will be trying out for the Stout hockey team.
This program got me to break out of my comfort shell. Now I will get into a conversation and give my ideas. Also, I have learned more about the city of Superior than I ever would have without joining the program. I am a very more outgoing person now and I would need to thank this program for that. Lastly, the program gave me the tools I would need to be more organized and responsible when it comes to time management.
John Rochon
I plan on attending UW-Superior, starting in the fall semester. I'm planning on majoring in psychology.
I have learned so much from this program, I can't even choose. But the most I have gotten out of my two years in this program is how much this community impacts not only the northland, but also the whole nation and world. Learning that we have a business that did work for NASA or that we have one of the few oil refineries in the north is just mind blowing and honestly amazing. It makes me very proud to live in such a hard working and innovative town.
Chaila Runions
My plans after graduation are to continue my education in business-human resources and management. And receive my undergraduate. After that I plan to continue receiving my education to work towards receiving my MBA.
After just two years I have taken out so many great things from this program. I have taken out skills and memories that will last a lifetime. I went into the program as a shy, sit back kind of girl and came out as the leader of school outreach committee and am able to step out of my comfort zone to accomplish a common goal with others. I started the program by writing an essay about Superior. And honestly could not think of many good things to say, but the experiences from the program have proved to me that Superior
really is a great place. I have learned so many new things, the Disney programs were able to help me step out if my shell and think on my feet while performing improve skits. The memories we have made will never be forgotten, from the beginning of the program, to the end, I will always remember the program that made me a leader in my community.
Rachel Schimenek
I plan to go to the University of Minnesota- Duluth to earn my Bachelors degree in Elementary and Special Education. I also plan to dance for the University of Minnesota-Duluth Dance Team.
Over the past two years of being in this program I was able to take a look at many aspects of my community and participate in various activities that improved my skills of being a leader and taught me to be a well rounded person.
Stephanie Schlais
I am going to Animal Behavior College to become a dog trainer; I begin college on July 18th.
The most I've taken away after two years of youth leadership is learning how to be a better leader so I can be the best possible dog trainer I can be.
Shana Soul
I plan on attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire to continue my education after high school.
Throughout this program, I was able to learn a lot about my community, such as what it has to offer and what its needs are. I realized that there is a lot about Superior that I didn’t know, and probably would have never known. I really enjoyed having the chance to take a deeper look into the city. I also was able to work in a group setting and practice different leadership roles in all of the things that we did. This year was the year that we were able to put what we learned about leadership into
action, by directing projects of our own. I am very grateful for the opportunities I had in this program to meet several different community leaders, and understand their jobs in society. They gave us plenty of advice and answered any questions we had.This program has definitely helped me grow as a leader, and I will never forget the experiences I have had with this group.
Alicia Stack
My plans after graduation are to attend the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire; there I plan on getting my major in nursing and possibly a minor in psychology.
Youth Leadership has taught me the kind of leader I am and would like to be, it’s shown me the opportunities available for me and others in our community and elsewhere, and I've gained a greater respect for successful leaders and the work they accomplish.
Ashley Stebner
I will be attending the College of St. Scholastica and hopefully get into the nursing program. I would like to make my way up to becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner. I would love to work in the neonatal intensive care unit. I love people and helping anyone, especially babies.
I have taken so much away from this program. It has been a wonderful experience. I have learned more about my city that I never knew even existed, like the factories. I have made great friends because of the program and met a lot of people I wouldn't have had the chance to meet without being in this program. I have learned to step out of my box thanks to some of the games and things we have had to do. I have learned how to take control and really steer things in the right direction. It has been great and I am
so glad it was available. It has been an eventful two years and I hate knowing it is almost over. But, I want to thank you for all you've done. This program is a wonderful learning experience and it means so much to the people that go through it. Thank you for creating this and following through no matter what happens or gets in your way.
Monika Sziron
After graduation I will be attending The University of North Dakota, in which I plan to continue dancing as a member of the UND Dance Team and begin my schooling in Occupational Therapy.
The Youth Leadership Program has taught me so many valuable lessons. I have learned how generous and supportive our community truly is. The Douglas County Youth Leadership Program has taught me to broaden my horizons and venture into whatever I think is possible and not limit myself to certain expectations but to always reach further. I learned how my leadership skills will benefit me in my schooling, career, and overall future. I have gained a new respect for the community that has built me and the opportunities
available. I’ve learned that it is not necessarily how many projects you do, the number of volunteering hours you have, or how many groups you are in but rather that you have left the day feeling genuinely proud of your accomplishment and knowing that you impacted at least one life, possibly even your own and continuing to do so for that same feeling of generosity. The Youth Leadership Program will teach you to become truly proud of your city and a proud citizen of your community, it has taught me to do
so, and will continue to do so for all the future members to come.
Renee Thorssen
Upon my graduation from Solon Springs High School on May 28, 2011, I plan to attend WITC for the Early Childhood Program or for certification classes to work in childcare. The other possibility is the CNA program there; my goal is to work with children or the elderly.
Through the leadership program I have not just learned about businesses and services in the area, but I have learned where I fit into this community. I have learned that I fit best into the area of community service, because that is where my heart is. I appreciate and am thankful for all I have learned and experienced through the Leadership Program!
Alex Tunell
I will be attending Bethel University in St. Paul, Mn and graduating in four years with my Business-Marketing degree with a minor in Communications and Economics. After receiving my graduate degree I plan on returning for my Master of Buisiness Administration degree. My dream would be to work in the philanthropy department of a fortune 500 comany or an NGO.
The most important thing I feel I am taking away from this program is the sense of teamwork. Whether it was clearning Harbor House, doing a group activity, or planning a community outreach project, we could not have accomplished what we did without a strong sense of teamwork and togetherness. Our graduating class worked extremely well together and I feel that although we had varying opionions on some issues that we were able to work past that and keep a sense of respect, to accomplish whatever our goal was at
the time.
Sharita Turner
My plans after graduation are to first off make the best of my summer by getting in shape for the college atmosphere. I will be attending Prairie A&M University located in Prairie View, Texas (45 minutes away from Houston). there I will be competing as a Division 1 athlete in Bowling. Most importantly, I will be either Majoring in some kind of business or majoring in chemistry to be a toxicologist.
The Leadeship Program has helped me become more comfortable as a person. With that in mind, I have learned more about myself. It also has exposed my potential as a person and a leader. I also feel like the program has helped me mature and prepare me for carrying on leadership in college and after that. Most importantly, I feel more comfortable moving away for college because of these gained leadeship skills and confidence.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy" - Martin Luther King Jr.