THIBODAUX – Craig Scott, a survivor of the Columbine High School massacre that left 15 dead and more than 20 wounded, will serve as keynote speaker at the Louisiana Girls’ Leadership Academy – a program conducted at Nicholls State University for girls entering the 8th through 11th grades.
Sponsored by the Louisiana Center for Women and Government, the three-day academy will kick off Tuesday, June 16, offering numerous seminars on communication skills, situational leadership, public service, responsible citizenship and current events. Program attendees, all of whom were competitively selected based on academic performance and community service, will have the opportunity to network with peers and be mentored by experienced professionals.
The public is invited to hear Scott’s address at the closing reception on Thursday, June 18, in the commons area of the Bollinger Memorial Student Union. The reception will begin at 3:30 p.m. with light refreshments, followed by an address by Dr. Stephen T. Hulbert, university president. At 4:45 p.m., academy participants will present various service projects, followed by Scott’s address, slated for 5:45 p.m.
Admission to the closing reception is $15 per person. For tickets, call (985) 448-4770 by Tuesday, June 16.
Scott chose to become a filmmaker following his experience at Columbine. His goal is to tell stories about ennobling, inspiring characters, and he has spoken to thousands of people and appeared on numerous national news programs.
Other speakers and guests slated to appear at the academy include Norma Jane Sabiston, a legislative professional currently involved in coastal restoration legislation; state Sen. Joel Chaisson II, president of the Louisiana State Senate; former state Rep. Warren Triche; Glenny Lee Buquet, member and past president of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education; state Rep. Nita Hutter, chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus; and state Rep. Karen St. Germain, vice chair of the caucus.
Invited guests also include Charlotte Randolph, Lafourche Parish president, and Dr. Sally Clausen, Louisiana commissioner of higher education.
Established in 1991, the Louisiana Center for Women and Government encourages and promotes the leadership of women by providing resources and non-partisan support through educational workshops, training seminars and outreach programs. With more than 600 members from eight regions across Louisiana, the center promotes women in government and public service, acknowledges achievements of women and teaches all citizens about the importance of public service and responsible citizenship.
