KU News Release

Kansas high school seniors attend Dole Institute’s civic leadership program

LAWRENCE — The Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas is host to 48 high school seniors from across Kansas chosen to participate in the Youth Civic Leadership Institute.

The youth program begins today and ends Friday, July 13. It is designed to foster appreciation and involvement in public service. Students stay overnight on the KU campus in a residence hall.

“Within their high schools and communities, these seniors have demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement and an interest in public service. Their high school administrators selected these students to participate in the leadership institute,” said Bill Lacy, director of the Dole Institute.

The program focuses on civic engagement and practicing civic skills. The students work in groups to discuss a range of issues that affect them in their schools and communities and present solutions. They will also attend a special Dole Institute public program tonight called “Teddy Roosevelt: Mind, Body and Spirit” with Ted Zalewski, a historical interpreter.

On Thursday, July 12, Chuck Berg, professor of theatre and film, will lead the students in a discussion of the 1939 Frank Capra movie “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.” On Friday, speakers will include retired U.S. Navy Capt. Buck Newsom, a civic leader in Lawrence, and Brett Ballard, a former KU basketball player from Hutchinson who graduated with a degree in secondary education in 2003 and is now on the men’s basketball team staff. Newsom will share his view on “Civic Participation from the Greatest Generation.” Ballard will address “Teamwork and the KU Basketball Team’s Civic Involvement.”

“A highlight will be Thursday’s visit to the state Capitol to meet with Kansas government leaders,” said Barbara Ballard, director of the Youth Civic Leadership Institute and a state representative from Lawrence’s 44th district. The high school students will begin the afternoon in the statehouse at 1 p.m., visiting the Senate chamber and the Kansas Supreme Court Room. About 2:15 p.m. they break into small groups to meet with legislators.

Ballard notes the Youth Civic Leadership program is offered with the understanding that “it is in our nation’s best interest that our youth not only become familiar with our system of government, but also explore the variety of opportunities for public service and the potential for developing their leadership.”

The Dole Institute began the Youth Civic Leadership Institute in 2006 and provides the program at no charge.

The students participating in this year’s Youth Civic Leadership Institute are listed below by school and hometown.

-30-

The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.