EHOVE promises to stay drug-free and lead

MILAN TWP. — EHOVE Career Center students accepted a challenge to lead, serve and live drug-free through a leadership club. More than 1,000 youth gathered for the launch of EHOVE Future Leaders, a club encouraging students to live their lives without drugs, lead with purpose and serve their communities. EHOVE Future Leaders is an optional club open to all students who want to grow personally and professionally. Members participate in random, confidential drug screenings to highlight the importance of healthy and drug-free choices. "Students who commit to the program not only gain valuable learning and community service opportunities, but they also earn something actively sought out on applications to colleges and employers: the distinction of being drug-free," according to a career center statement. On Aug. 27, the career center hosted a kickoff event, Lead Where You Stand: Building Stronger Communities Together, and invited representatives from several organizations to speak on how service and everyday choices can make an impact. Among the organizations represented were: • The alcohol, drug addiction and mental health services boards of Erie and Huron counties • The Huron County Board of Mental Health & Addiction Services • OHgo • Sandusky Rotary Club • The Greater Sandusky Partnership • Teen Leadership Corps Matt Ehrhardt, EHOVE's assistant director who oversees the program, explained its purpose: "Community leaders and alumni shared personal stories of service and leadership, showing students how everyday choices can create a lasting impact," Ehrhardt said. "The messages of hope and purpose encouraged our students to live drug-free, serve others and lead right where they are." At the end of the event, several student leaders were recognized for their dedication to leadership and service. Penelope Carson, Adam Wilhelm, Kourtney Balde, Abigail Biggins and Blayke McKillips received Community Impact Awards. EHOVE Future Leaders is more than just a club. It reflects the school's mission of preparing the future workforce for in-demand careers through skilled hands-on education, and is a commitment to a lifestyle and a mindset — choosing to be drug-free, choosing to serve, and choosing to lead. The club represents a chance for students to stand out and open themselves up to future opportunities, according to the release. It also benefits the community by acting as an investment in the next generation of leaders.