Elizabeth Mendoza

Elizabeth Mendoza, a sophomore from Bracken Christian School, will attend the GOLD (Giving Opportunities for Leadership Development) Youth Leadership Program in San Antonio June 5 to 8.

Over 200 exceptional sophomores, each representing a different high school, will attend. The program is funded by local businesses and supporting service organizations such as Kiwanis, Optimists and Greater Federation of Women’s Clubs.

The four-day seminar will focus on developing leadership abilities of high school sophomores and giving them a peer support system. The seminar consists of a series of panels, group discussions and motivational speakers.

South Texas leaders who are involved in politics, the judicial system, entrepreneurship, the local community and volunteerism participate as speakers and as panelists throughout the weekend. After each panel, the delegates meet in small groups to discuss the topic. These discussions are mediated by volunteer facilitators who are designated for each group. A collaborative and rich learning environment is created, which encourages the delegates to express their beliefs, think for themselves and explore their leadership potential.