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Galion Middle School seventh and eighth grade boys will be traveling to The Ohio State University at Mansfield/North Central State College campus to participate in the annual LeaderRichland program May 14.

The LeaderRichland program brings area business and community leaders together with middle school students for a day of sharing dreams, possibilities and opportunities. Students will have the opportunity to visit with various community leaders and walk the OSU-Mansfield/North Central State College campus to experience the potential that is their future.

“This is at least the fourth year in a row that the Galion Middle School has participated in the LeaderRichland program,” Assistant Principal Ed Rich said. “This program is not just for college bound students. There are entrepreneurs and other members of the labor force in attendance to discuss options other than attending college.”

This year, the LeaderRichland program will be adding a parent component. The LeaderRichland Parent Connection will invite parents to get a “sneak preview” of the activities that seventh and eighth grade students participate in while attending the annual program.

“We hope to increase student awareness of local opportunities in the workforce and in continuing education,” Rich said. “We also hope to spark student interest in staying local, and giving back to the local communities.”

Each year, the LeaderRichland program alternates between female and male attendees from area schools. The seventh and eighth grade girls from Galion Middle School will have the opportunity to attend the program during the 2015-2016 school year.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our students to connect with leaders from the region,” Superintendent Mark Stefanik said. “I would like to thank the Richland Community Development Group and LeaderRichland Committee for providing this outstanding program for our Galion Middle School students.”

To learn more about the Galion Middle School’s participation in the LeaderRichland program, contact Ed Rich at 419-468-3134.