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NCYL leaders learn value of first impressions

Hunter Johnson, a senior at Manson Northwest Webster, learned the importance of being confident and going with the flow when he went through a mock job interview as part of the National Council on Youth Leadership program.

“I learned to keep my cool even if I am nervous on the inside,” he said Sunday to a crowd of students and parents inside the BioScience auditorium at Iowa Central Community College.

He also learned the value of first impressions.

“First impressions really are everything and that includes the handshake,” he said.

“It was an eye-opening experience to have the mock interview and I thank NCYL for that opportunity,” he added.

Johnson, along with about 60 other students from six area schools, who demonstrated strong leadership and initiative, were recognized during the annual youth salute recognition ceremony.

The students were chosen by their school counselors in the spring, according to Pam Bunte, one of the NCYL and Character Counts board of directors.

Students had to submit essays and explain the activities they were involved in at their school. Those essays were scored by a committee.

Six students were selected to attend the Town Meeting on Tomorrow leadership conference at Washington University in St. Louis this October.

Iris Peimann, a senior at St. Edmond High School, said she learned the importance of working with people she didn’t know when she went through a workshop at Iowa Central Community College.

“It was a lot of fun,” she said. “I learned to work with people you don’t know.”

“I got to know a lot of people,” she added. “At first we were quiet, but we learned a lot from each other once we started talking and working together.”

Casey Johnson, owner of Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Mercury Toyota and also a member of the NCYL and Character Counts board of directors, said NCYL and Character Counts stands out to him on job applications.

“It shows discipline,” he said. “Success is in doing and not getting.”

He said a lot of times it’s the extra effort put forth by applicants that makes the difference.

Kathy Moe, also a member of the NCYL and Character Counts board of directors, congratulated the students for being leaders.

Moe has been involved with NCYL for 20 years.

“It’s exciting to be around this young energy,” she said. “We are excited to watch your futures unfold.”

Moe left the students with some advice.

She said remember to give back, strive to become a servant-leader, never stop getting better, do something you would do for free and take care of yourself too.

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