FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Lexa Hoffner
612-432-2582
lexahoffner@comcast.net
http://www.mnstudentleaders.org

West Point Cadets, Recently Graduated from Minnesota High Schools, Come Home to Discuss Ethics and Leadership with Former Schoolmates.

Plymouth, Minnesota, 4 March 2009 – Current West Point Cadets who recently graduated from Minnesota High Schools are the small group facilitators in the first annual Minnesota Student Leadership Seminar – an inspiring and highly interactive one day event for Minnesota High School Juniors and faculty members. It will be held on April 6, 2009 at the Rush Creek Golf Club in Maple Grove at no charge to participants.  The seminar is focused on exciting the leaders of tomorrow about character and ethics and to help in the development of the next generation of leaders of our communities.

Benjamin Bettin, Junior, graduate of De La Salle, Jeffrey Bjorlin, Junior, graduate of Wayzata, Renner Hall, Sophomore, graduate of MPLS Southwest, Scott Ginther, Sophomore, graduate of Cretin-Derham Hall, and Joseph McGinness, Freshman, graduate of Richfield, are all Cadets at the United States Military Academy, and committed to becoming leaders of character who will serve our great nation.  They are proud to be able to come back to the high schools that trained them so well to be able to take on the challenge of West Point and share some of what they are learning with their former schoolmates. 

Each of these cadets is specially trained in leading ethics discussions.  They will each be assigned a group of 10-12 students and facilitate discussion around relevant and realistic scenarios that challenge participants’ understanding of their personal values and candidly examine implications and outcomes.  The cadets, as peers, make the discussions fun and interesting for student participants.

The day also includes a thought provoking keynote address by Hank Shea, Distinguished Senior Fellow, University of St. Thomas School of Law and Fellow, Holloran Center for Ethical Leadership in the Professions.  Mr. Shea, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, is a renowned speaker on ethics and is especially skilled at connecting with young people on this important topic. 

Faculty will participate in a separate facilitated interactive discussion focused on developing a school environment that graduates students who understand critical thinking, moral-reasoning, and values-based decision-making – all within existing academic subjects, sports, and other extracurricular activities and therefore no additional cost to the schools.  Col (R) Pat Toffler, from the Center for Leadership and Ethics, will facilitate this not-to-be missed discussion among education professionals.

Twenty-five schools (seventy-five students and 25 faculty members) are participating in this event at no charge to themselves or their districts.  This event is completely funded by donations from members of the West Point Society of Minnesota and two area businesses – Support Collectors and JEM consulting.   A light breakfast and lunch will be provided to all participants.  Student participants will receive a certificate and faculty participants may be eligible for continuing education credits. 

Registration for this event is closed as available slots have already been filled.  Schools who would like additional information about the Minnesota Student Leadership Seminar and how they can participate next year should visit www.mnstudentleaders.org

ABOUT the West Point Society of Minnesota – The West Point Society of Minnesota is a social group for graduates of the United States Military Academy living in Minnesota. 

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