Peggy Kidwell receives youth leadership award

By BILL RICHMOND

City editor

Randolph Southern sixth grade teacher Peggy Kidwell Friday received the Randolph County Youth Leadership Council's Dr. Steven R. Peden Memorial Flame of Leadership Award. The award is presented each year to a member of the community who has demonstrated a lifetime of working to benefit area young people.

Kidwell teaches sixth grade and gifted and talented students at RS Jr.-Sr. High School. She has also been a 4-H leader for eight years and coached elementary girls basketball. She coordinates the elementary science fair and is a co-coach for the elementary spell bowl, science bowl and M.A.T.H. academic teams. Kidwell has coached Odyssey of the Mind and Destination Imagination teams at both the elementary and high school levels including state and regional title winners.

Youth Leadership Council member Gary Harvey said he had the opportunity of working with Kidwell for 15 years and saw firsthand the time, effort and dedication she brings to her job.

"I think each of our Randolph County schools have individuals whom we wish all the students of the county could have as a teacher," Harvey said. "Peggy is one of those teachers."

In receiving the award, Kidwell said she appreciates the work of the Youth Leadership Council to recognize teachers and inspire young people.

"This group exemplifies the popular phrase, 'it takes a village to raise a child,'" she said. "Being a leader means so much, but being validated for being a leader is especially rewarding. It is so exciting to see kids succeed at what they do."

Youth Leadership Council 2007 Randolph County Award of Excellence winners are: Heather Bringman of Monroe Central, Emily Peacock of Randolph Central, Jade Hill of Randolph Eastern, Lauren Miller of Randolph Southern and Crystal Prescott of Union. Emily Peacock was selected as Randolph County Outstanding Youth Leader, 2007.

Four of the six Randolph County seniors who attended the 2007 Town Meeting on Tomorrow youth leadership conference in St. Louis reported on their experiences. Area attendees at the conference were: Emily Peacock and Grace Wallace (who were unable to attend Friday's presentation), Bruce Culy, Dustin Shannon, Katherine Hufford and Taylor Jenkinson.

At the Town Meeting on Tomorrow, students participated in a variety of programs, heard presentations, met young people from across the nation and shared experiences.

Shannon said he was impressed by the number of interesting and inspiring activities. Jenkinson said it was a wonderful experience.

Youth Leadership Council President Robert Morris announced the kickoff of the 2008 Youth Salute program.

"Nomination packets will be mailed out sometime from early next week to mid-week," he said. "The deadline for resume submission is June 6 at 3 p.m.

"We are not entering into our 24th year. Over 23 years, we have given out $24,200 in scholarships to Randolph County Students. We hope to have another great year ahead."

Previous Flame of Leadership honorees include: Rick Root, 2007; Terry Swindell, 2006; Jan Chalfant, 2005; Rick D. Hunt, 2004; Dianne Gough, 2003; Judith Mahuron, 2002; John Schmidt, 2001; Paula Washler, 2000; Frederick "Butch" Mullen, 1999; Larry Prichard, 1998; Union Little Hoosier Historians, 1997; Lynn L. Rickert, 1996; Carlton Clevenger, 1995; Charles Buckley, 1994; Art Association of Randolph County, 1993; Larry Hall, 1992; Sue Hill, 1991; Ted Leahey, 1990; Violet Myers, 1989; Robert G. Jones, 1988; and Vincent Haviza, 1987.