Kaitlin Einkauf

Plano, Texas has quite the reputation. Perhaps I should say reputations—because I'd wager each of you have your own idea as to what makes our city stand out. I have to admit, Plano's "fame" came as a surprise while I was away at college. More often than not, my fellow Austinites had heard of our little Dallas suburb.

My years in PISD prepared me well for college, and my choir days instilled a love for the arts. Now that I've graduated, Plano has pulled me back into the fold. I can tell you firsthand that arts are a critical and vibrant part of our reputable community. Go to any Cultural Affairs Commission meeting at City Hall and you'll see representation from a very wide variety of arts groups that call Plano home. What's even more incredible are the people who give of their time and energy to see these organizations succeed.

But that passion translates across all facets of Plano. It's evident in what makes Plano so well-known: everything from the many corporations that headquarter in Plano, to the overall safety of the city, to its median income. For most of us this is common knowledge. But what may not be so familiar are the efforts of one particular group to ensure future generations of Plano citizens continue upholding Plano's reputation. Plano Youth Leadership (PYL), at its core, is about "Learning Today. Leading Tomorrow."

I had the pleasure of speaking with PYL's current president Burton Smith and president-elect Jessica Jackson. Many may recognize Smith as the principal of Shepton High School. Jackson is the event director of the Plano Balloon Festival and was also a student member of PYL's second class. Their enthusiasm and passion is quite catching, their adoration and dedication so steadfast that it's nearly tangible.

Plano Youth Leadership began in 1995—the well–planned and researched creation of alumni from Leadership Plano. "The purpose of the program," Jackson explained, "was to train the students in leadership techniques and community awareness so they would become familiar with current issues, community resources, opportunities, and other factors influencing the direction of their community's future." The nine-month program takes 35 tenth-grade students through an eye-opening journey of understanding themselves, their peers, and their community. The group meets once a month for a series of activities that expose the students to the various goings-on of Plano.

The first half of the program introduces the characteristics of a leader and the perspective necessary for a leader to work with peers and reach common goals. The latter half, which concludes with a graduation ceremony, takes PYL into the Plano community, meeting various nonprofit leaders, city officials, and local government representatives.

The greatest benefit for PYL members is the exclusive exposure to what makes Plano such a vibrant community. Students have the opportunity to understand the inner workings of the city by talking with the mayor, city councilmen, school officials, firemen, doctors and lawyers. This knowledge, Burton believes, is the key to living a fuller, richer life. The program hopes to ignite a spark—whether it be for a career or a way to give back—that will draw its graduates back to Plano.

That is the vision of PYL's board of directors. Its heart beats only for the development of Plano's future leaders and for the privilege of watching each PYL class grow, mature, and evolve into selfless individuals. By every definition a "working board," the PYL's board takes a hands-on approach to the program. Not only do they attend the sessions, but they also plan and run each month's activities so they may be tailored to each class' best interests or revamped for relevancy.

As for what board members would like the Plano community to know about PYL, they have this to say specifically:

Jessica Jackson – "Since 1995, Plano Youth Leadership has empowered more than 300 local young people with the tools and confidence they need to make well-informed life choices and to position themselves as leaders in their communities."

Burton Smith – "[These students] will lead their peers and make their schools stronger by sharing what they learned. … We have an incredible, dedicated board who give up their time and talent. …Plano is fortunate."

And their favorite part of being involved in PYL? Smith considers it pure joy to watch the students mature into young adults who desire to help their fellow man, not expecting anything in return. He says it's fun to watch them bond and come out of new or perhaps uncomfortable settings having learned something life-changing.

As for Jackson, "My favorite part of being involved…is to see the impact it has made in each participant's life. We truly have some amazing emerging leaders that I am confident will develop a passion for our community and lead us with their commitment and vision into the future."

Benjamin Farnia, an alum from Class IX, praises the program as well: "I wanted to learn how to become a better leader, and the program helped me do just that! I still use many of the leadership skills I learned through Plano Youth Leadership as a medical student today. It was a wonderful program and I would recommend it to anyone who's interested in developing leadership skills or in becoming more involved in the Plano community."

As for the logistics, the PYL application includes an application form, a resume, and two reference letters. Any student living in the area serviced by PISD may apply. The application consists of essay questions focusing on the students' honest assessment of their philosophies and character attributes. As for the reference letters, they are key, Burton explained. Coupled with the essay questions, the letters allow the board a true glimpse of the personalities and work ethics of the applicants.

The application has been available online as of February 1, and schools will have them available in their counseling offices as well. The due date is April 6, and tuition is $125.

For any other information, visit PYL's website: planoyouthleadership.org.

This is truly an incredible program—one worthy of adding to Plano's reputation—and as Smith so aptly stated: "It makes you feel great about the future."