JEFFERSON CITY – There’s no better way to develop leadership skills than to practice, practice, practice. That is exactly what Saska Timarac, a student at Hancock Place, did while attending the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Leadership in Practice program.

Timarac joined more than 50 high school students who were selected as future leaders from schools across the state. Held on July 25 to 27 on the Missouri Military Academy campus in Mexico, Mo., Leadership in Practice is designed to provide young Missourians with the opportunity to learn what it takes to be an effective leader in their schools and communities.

All participants were students between their freshman and sophomore years in high school. With help from Missouri business leaders and educators, the students learned firsthand about how to successfully work together as a team and individually as a leader.

The students were challenged to use leadership skills in activities that simulated real-life situations. Working in small groups, the students developed business plans for a new product or service. Participants were also encouraged to set goals for themselves for their development as leaders.

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry applauds the efforts of these future leaders and the potential they bring to our state. Leadership in Practice is part of a youth leadership educational program that was created by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce in 1962.  It is funded through scholarships provided by state businesses and civic organizations. 

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce (www.mochamber.com) was founded in 1923 and is the largest business organization in Missouri, representing almost 3,000 employers providing more than 425,000 jobs for Missourians.