Essay reaps rewards for Cardinal Leaders

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The Cardinal Leaders program at Jefferson High School has done its part to help make the Alexandria community a little better place by helping to mold students into positive role models for 28 years now.

With funds for this program dwindling, though, Athletic Director Dr. David Hartmann had to get creative to keep the program going.

Last week, his efforts paid off as he was one of 20 people awarded a $2,500 check to go toward enhancing academic or extra-curricular programs in Toyota’s “Drive for Education” giveaway.

Hartmann entered the giveaway by writing an essay describing the Cardinal Leaders program and the impact it has had on the Alexandria school and community over the years.

School representatives from the 20 winners were awarded the checks during a live presentation at the boys’ state hockey tournament between the first and second period of the Little Falls, St. Thomas Academy game last Wednesday.

It costs approximately $125 per person to keep the program going, and the $2,500 donation will go a long way toward sustaining this program in the immediate future.

“We are excited we can keep this leadership program going for another year,” Hartmann said. “Hundreds of Alexandria students have participated in this great program over the years. The life skills they have learned have contributed to our success in sports and fine arts.”

Cardinal Leaders began in 1980 as a chemical free leadership group. Through the years, the program has helped to encourage students to be positive role models in the community by taking action in community service events. It also uses retreats to train students in areas such as role modeling, conflict resolution, intervention and goal setting.

“Many students talk about the memories and opportunities to bond with other students they would never have had an opportunity to get to know without the program,” Hartmann said. “Cardinal Leaders provide a core group of chemically-free students who are great role models and try to do the right thing.”

DRIVE FOR

EDUCATION

Minnesota Toyota dealers gave away a total of $50,000 as 20 schools received checks for $2,500 apiece

The program has been in effect for 19 years

Toyota and Minnesota Toyota dealers have given away more than $300,000 to further education in the state of Minnesota

The program was begun to enhance academic or extra-curricular programs in Minnesota high schools

Tags: alexandria, cardinal, leaders, program, jefferson, high, school