Eureka, Mo., [June 4, 2008] – Twenty-two high school students are graduating this year from the competitive-selection, five-year Wyman Teen Leadership Program (TLP) based out of Eureka, Mo. They will celebrate their accomplishment with fellow TLP graduates, family and friends Thursday, June 5 at 6:00 P.M. on the Wyman campus at 600 Kiwanis Dr., Eureka, MO 63122.

These students’ experience began five years ago when they were nominated to be considered for the leadership program. After a thorough selection process, they started the summer after their 7th grade year with an intensive 28-day camp experience. This first summer allowed them to develop fundamental leadership skills and step outside their comfort zone to confront new challenges.

These students have a lot to be proud of. Many have already decided on a college to attend this fall, and two young ladies – Penny H. and Kimberly B. of North County received full scholarships to Indiana University, awarded through a partnership between the university and Wyman.

Teens in the Wyman Teen Leadership Program come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds where they face challenging odds for completion of, and success in, high school and further education. In contrast to the average graduation rate of 47 percent for students in low-income cities, Wyman boasted a 100 percent high school graduation and college or trade school acceptance rate among last year’s graduating class. Post-secondary plans are still in the works for this year’s class, but 100 percent have again graduated on time, and the future looks bright for these young people. These teens are receiving the supports and opportunities they need to become contributing students, family members, employees and citizens.

To read articles published by the Post-Dispatch about individual teens, visit the Tri-County Suburban Journal and Jefferson County Suburban Journal online.

2008 Teen Leadership Program graduates at their graduation celebration on June 5.