a student listens to the panel

Albion High School’s Interact Club hosted a leadership event on Thursday with invited panelists sharing stories and tips on leadership, character and the importance of being involved in the local community. Members from Holley’s Interact Club also attended the event.

Participating on the panel was former State Assemblyman and Vietnam veteran Charles Nesbitt; pastor, musician and firearms and chemical agent instructor for the NYS Department of Corrections Trellis Pore; Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke; former nurse and current business owner Mary Lou Touhey with her daughter, Nicole; and former Medina teacher, Orleans County Legislature and Korean War veteran Frank Berger. All panel members are active in numerous other roles and organizations throughout the community.

The panel of leaders opened by sharing their own histories before moderator Tim Archer, Interact Club’s advisor, led a discussion. Topics included what makes someone a role model, and what qualifies as success, and the students were encouraged to ask questions. At the end of the panel, many students stayed behind to speak with the panelists one-on-one.

The event was a great way for high school students to learn from and be inspired by those who came before them and play an active role in bettering their community.