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YLF 07 Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


April 2, 2007


Contact:  Julia Fonseca, Director of Programs
Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy
517 SW 37th St., Suite B
Topeka, KS 66611
866.577.5932 Toll Free
785.215.6698 TTY
785.215.6699 Fax
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KANSAS YOUTH LEADERSHIP FORUM SELECTS 35 YOUTH LEADERS


The Kansas Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (KSYLF) is right around the corner. Thirty-five motivated young leaders were recently selected to attend this seventh annual forum. The 2007 KSYLF will be held June 12 – 16 at Washburn University in Topeka. The forum is coordinated by the Kansas Youth Empowerment Academy (KYEA), a youth-driven, non-profit organization that promotes and supports the development of youth with disabilities in Kansas.

The theme for this year’s forum will be “ONE VOICE can be heard. ONE GROUP can make an impact. ONE COMMUNITY can change the world!” The program will have an overall theme of the power of one person, as well as the impact of the disability community as a whole. A diverse group of delegates were selected to attend the 2007 KSYLF, including students from a variety of cities in Kansas with a wide range of disabilities. Those students are listed below:

Lakeisha Allen, Great Bend
Lindsey Anderton, Bonner Springs
Miles Axelson, Plainville
Briana Betrus, Topeka
Sam Braday, Pomona
Thomas Burke, Salina
Adam Burnett, Conway Springs
Marcus Chavez, Topeka
Lukis Chenoweth, Ozawkie
Abagail Council, Effingham
Brittany Day, Garden City
Camillia Dieker, Emporia
Nickole Donohue, Derby
Christopher Gibson, Maize
Jennifer Goff, Baldwin
Danielle Hasenkamp, Centralia
Avery High, Clay Center
Loretta Ikenberry, Baldwin
Jacob Johnson, Topeka
Brenna Koch, Auburn
Bridgett Levy, Great Bend
Antwaun Lewis, Junction City
Marcus Long, Overland Park
Suzanne Mies, Andale
John Owen, Shawnee
Wayne Pitts, Claflin
Maria Raney, Zenda
Jasmine Sharp, Manhattan
David Singley, Wichita
Thad Smith, Topeka
Kathryn Sowders, Lawrence
Joseph Stroud, Wichita
Staci Swartz, Alexander
Angela Young, Valley Falls
Crystal Young, Belleville

The KSYLF is an annual conference that is heading into its seventh year serving students with disabilities across the state. During the forum, delegates enjoy a week full of learning, fun, friends, and, most of all, a new sense of empowerment! Through various large and small sessions, delegates are able to learn about and explore various topics related to leadership. They are able to set goals for the future and develop their very own Personal Leadership Plan. A trip to the Capitol is always a highlight of the week, as well as a mentor luncheon where delegates are paired with an adult mentor from their area. Other fun activities include a recreation session, a barbeque, a talent show, and a dance, which is always a delegate favorite!

For more information about the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum, please contact Julia Fonseca, Director of Programs, toll free at 866.577.5932 or via e-mail at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . More information can also be found on the KSYLF website at www.ksylf.org.

The KYEA is made possible by a grant from Kansas Rehabilitation Services and match funds from the Kansas Legislature.