The Midland Young Leaders Challenge, which spotlights high school juniors from high schools and home schools in Midland County, will return this year after a one-year hiatus.
The event, sponsored by the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute, will be June 16-17 at Midland College. Tony Cucolo, a retired Army Major General, will serve as the keynote speaker. The two-day workshop is free of charge and is a collaboration between the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute, Midland College and Midland Independent School District. A total of $6,000 in scholarships will be awarded for the writing and speech contest. Participants who demonstrate overall leadership potential will also be eligible.
The challenge celebrates the career of General Franks, who grew up in Midland and became a military hero. He achieved the rank of four-star general and earned many honors including the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Midland ISD reported the program curriculum will evolve around General Franks’ four stars of leadership, character, common vision, communication and caring. The workshop will focus on developing leadership ability and confidence. Students will also be confronted with practical leadership and ethical scenarios and challenged to address them in a speech competition.
Cucolo, served in the Pentagon as chief of Public Affairs. After leaving the military, Cucolo served as an associate vice president at the University of Texas.
Applications and nominations for the Midland Young Leaders Challenge are being accepted through March 20. School counselors, coaches, scouting leaders and directors are encouraged to nominate their seniors in Midland County.
In addition to engaging with General Franks and Midland community leaders, participants will have the opportunity to compete for the scholarships, there will be an opportunity to attend the national Four Star Leadership program hosted by General Franks July 10-16 in Edmond, Oklahoma.
For additional information on the program, to nominate a student or simply apply, interested parties are encouraged to visit midlandyoungleaders.com.