Madeline Montemayor of Ballston Spa, Stephanie McDermott of Saratoga Springs and Jenna Leskovec of Fort Edward, along with 25 other area students, took part in LeaderSpark, a youth leadership program presented by the League of Women Voters of Saratoga County.

The program stresses leadership skill development, practice and real-life application, said Jaye Kuczynski, a volunteer instructor.

Local community leaders and role models donated their time to help out with the program, including Mayor Scott Johnson, former Mayor Ken Klotz, Saratoga County Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, employees from State Farm Insurance and students from Skidmore College.

“What is so great about this program is that it is structured so kids become aware of their personal leadership skills and are encouraged to practice them at home, at school or any other activity they are involved with,” she said.

Application of the learned skills is the overall goal of the program, Kuczynski said.  Main topics that are discussed are working in groups, planning projects, conflict resolution, and public speaking and interviewing skills. Students learn how to articulate and annunciate to effectively communicate to a group and how to present themselves professionally.

At the end of the program, students were assigned to design a project of their choice to lead and carry out in school or their community.

“The name LeaderSpark says it all. The program is highly motivational and gives students an opportunity to see that they can make a difference and gives them the skills to fulfill their potential as leaders in the classroom, teams and groups,” she added. 

The 28 students who participated were recommended by school guidance counselors and youth organization leaders such as religious groups or scouts.  

Montemayor, McDermott and Leskovec were selected at the end of the program to take part in Students Inside Albany, a state-wide program that allows students to learn about New York  

State government first-hand through shadowing local Senators and Assembly representatives and they will be able to attend a legislative session. The three-day program also includes lectures on the state budget process, the role of lobbyists, citizen’s rights to access the government and the move to reform state government.

“It was so worthwhile to take part in LeaderSpark,” Montemayor said. “I learned a ton of skills that will help me be a leader, and I’m so proud that I could show them. It’s been a great opportunity.”

This is the third year that the League of Women Voters presented LeaderSpark.  The program was developed in Ohio in 1987 in order to develop young leaders by providing a curriculum, training and coaching through partnerships with local organizations.

“We are so excited to see the change in the students over the five-week period,” Kuczynski said.  “It is our goal to see the program grow, and to teach leadership to students all over.”