Representing 21 metro-area schools and a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities, 42 students were named to the 2008 Youth Leadership Omaha program. Now in its 16th year, this popular interactive leadership development program offers high school sophomores the opportunity to explore the issues that shape our community.

Creighton University’s College of Business Administration and the AIM Institute coordinate the program, which was originally developed in 1992 by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Student leaders from the Creighton’s College of Business Administration facilitate each of the sessions, with assistance from community volunteers.

This year's students were selected from more than 200 applicants. The selection process includes both a written application and interviews with a volunteer selection committee. In addition to differences in their backgrounds, experiences, ethnicities, faiths, and socioeconomic groups, the group also represents different leadership levels — ranging from established and emerging leaders to “diamonds in the rough.”

“While the students will learn a great deal from the various experiences they will have as part of this program and the community leaders they will encounter, a significant aspect of their learning will occur from meeting and getting to know each other. We are especially excited to see how they will take what they learn and apply it to our community,” said John Jeanetta, vice president of organizational development at the AIM Institute.   

The program kicked off in November with an opening retreat designed to acquaint students with the program, the issues to be examined and with the adult volunteers and each other. The participants will take part in day-long sessions every three to four weeks through April 2009, focusing on such areas as:

• Community bus tour to explore Omaha’s growth and development
• Media and the arts
• Government and the justice system
• Health and human services
• Business and technology
• Education & career development

With each session, students have the opportunity for hands-on simulations and activities that promote the free exchange of ideas, information and advice. At the same time, they are encouraged to reflect on how their schools, neighborhoods, ethnicities, faiths, leadership skills, and life experiences impact their ability to make a difference. 

For more information about Youth Leadership Omaha, contact Maryanne Rouse at (402) 280-2613 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Jean Munger at (402) 345-5025 Ext. 158, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

2008 Youth Leadership Omaha Class

Donovan Allen, Bryan Senior High

Meghan Anderson, Marian High School

Jacobo Botto, Central High School

Alexandra Bragg, Central High School

Cassandra Burgdorf, North High School

Mariena Busey, Northwest High School

Viktor Chebotaryov, Burke High School

Karen Cheng, Millard North High School

Renier Davison, Benson High School

SaraJoy Doghman, Central High School

Colby Dostal, Gretna High School

Taylor Greene, Central High School

Jonathan Hanisch, Bennington High School

Quamesha Hayes, North High School

Sydney Henselin, Fort Calhoun High School

Alexandra Hippen, Millard North High School

Isaiah Hood, Burke High School

Diamond Johnson, Omaha North High School

Alexis Kaiser, Skutt Catholic High School

Sam Kane, Millard North High School

Cameron Lewis, South High School

Grant Lubeck, Creighton Prep

Laura Magaña, South High School

Quentin Marquez, Creighton Prep

Saleasha McClurge, Millard South High School

Elizabeth Morrison, Millard South High School

Katharine Moustakes, Millard West High School

Chloe Nabity, Elkhorn High School

Patricia Owens, Duchesne Academy

Peter Pei, Millard West

Tyler Rohlfsen, Millard South

Alexandra Rommelfanger, Gross Catholic

Mackenna Rommelfanger, Gross Catholic

Daniel Schlessinger, Millard North

Elyssa Sitti, Mercy High School

Holly Sly, Omaha Christian Academy

David Smiley, North High School

Anna Svobda, Central High School

William Taylor, Benson High School

Isaac Thomas, Central High School

Shaylea Valentine, South High School

Fang Zheng, Central High School

Creighton University Student Leaders