Representing 22 metro-area schools and a variety of backgrounds and ethnicities, 40 students were named to the 2008 Youth Leadership Omaha program. Now in its 15th 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 assumed coordination of the program this year from the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, which developed and implemented Youth Leadership Omaha in 1992. Student leaders from the Creighton’s College of Business Administration will facilitate each of the sessions, with assistance from community volunteers.

This year's students were selected from nearly 120 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 research and planning at the AIM Institute.   

The program kicked off at the end of January with an opening retreat designed to acquaint students with the program, the issues to be examined and with the adult volunteers and each other. Then, throughout the spring semester, these participants will take part in day-long sessions every three to four weeks, focusing on such areas as:

• A community bus tour to explore Omaha’s growth and development

• Media and the arts

• Government and the justice system

Students will also engage in virtual seminars focusing on:

• Health and human services

• Business and 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 John Jeanetta at (402) 345-5025 Ext. 127, or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

This year’s Youth Leadership Omaha class includes:

 
Alejandra Aguilar, Omaha South High School

Taylor Armstrong, Omaha North High School

Mitchell Bell, Elkhorn High School

Peter Bock, Omaha Central High School

Zach Christensen, Elkhorn High School

Ashley Crawford, Omaha Bryan High School

Caitlin Cruz, Millard North High School

Lindsey Detten, Bennington High School

Seth Donahue, Millard West High School

Kate Dorwart, Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School

Paul Dunning, V.J. & Angela Skutt Catholic High School

Dillon Eurek, Bennington High School

Alexandria Ewing, Roncalli Catholic High School

Courtney Fraser, Ralston High School

Sara Gentzler, Gretna High School

Ethan Graumann, Millard North High School

Faith Hoppen, Concordia Junior/Senior High School

Kaitlin Johnson, Omaha Bryan High School

Amanda Karimi, Millard North High School

Charlie Krolikowski, Creighton Prep

Lindsay Long, Platteview High School

Andy Martin, Elkhorn High School

Kris Martin, Omaha North High School

Morgan Mayers, Omaha Benson High School

Chelsea McGuire, Millard South High School

Nick Mizaur, Creighton Prep

Garrett Nathan, Millard South High School

Dilasha Neupane, Millard North High School

Janet Nguyen, Omaha Bryan High School

Luke Palacio, Creighton Prep

Jill Paulson, Omaha Benson

Hillary Pflug, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart

Andrew Rasmussen, Omaha Burke High School

Christina Rowe, Omaha South High School

Allie Schulte, Mercy High School

Chance Smith, Omaha North High School

Alexandria Ng Tran, Omaha Central High School

Stephon Washington, Omaha Central High School

Ashley Wilson, Fort Calhoun Junior/Senior High School

Gabby Zoucha, Millard West High School