What People Are Saying About LYS
One Student’s Story
“A testimony of how one “yes” changed the course of my entire life”
From Elected and Appointed Officials
U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu and LYS Co-Founder Jo Pease
"There is truly no place like Louisiana. I want our young people to be as proud of our state as I am. We need them to stay here, and as governor, it is my job to help make Louisiana the place they want to live, work, and raise a family. Our youth are the future of Louisiana, and it’s important that we instill in them the confidence and desire to become leaders in our communities, so I was grateful to spend time visiting during this year’s Louisiana Youth Seminar.” – Gov. John Bel Edwards
"LYS more than any other thing helped me to believe in myself. It gave me the confidence and energy I had lost somewhere along the way." – Hon. Mary Landrieu, US Senator
"LYS has benefitted many young leaders by not only teaching tangible leadership skills and group dynamics, but also by fostering confidence. The next generations of leaders are returning from LYS to their high schools with personal motivation and the tools to achieve their dreams. LYS' proven effectiveness not only helps the students immediately involved, but it also improves our larger community by enabling success among future leaders." – Hon. Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD, United States Congressman
From Students
"LYS is the only place I've ever found where every single person can be him or herself 100% of the time and never have to worry about not being accepted for it. It's the only place where everyone is free to break out of his/her shell, show his/ her true colors, and not worry about what other people are going to say. At LYS you are always accepted for who you are, so you never have to try and be anything but yourself… LYS helped me to grow into a person I never thought I could be."
"Not only have I learned how to communicate, organize and work under pressure, but how to love and accept people in a way I have never experienced before..."
From Parents
"My daughter has been deeply impacted by LYS… She is more willing to try new things, recognizing that is scary for her but also recognizing that she will be stronger in the long run. She is more willing to take chances, recognizing that she will never know if she can succeed if she does not try. She now believes in herself and not only has a dream for her life, but knows she has to set goals for herself and now says "I Will!""
"As a mother of two children with unique personalities, I give credit to LYS in helping them to develop quality leadership characteristics and demonstrate them in their own way. I wholeheartedly believe that LYS gave them lifelong skills… LYS provided them an opportunity to experience leadership, and I give credit to LYS for their ability to handle pressure and put their leadership skills into action on a daily basis."
From Educators
"The universal theme from students returning from LYS is that they learned real-life lessons and learned how to get along with others who come from different backgrounds. There is a great need for programs like LYS that teach leadership and tolerance and help students to improve their sense of self." - Cindy Istre, Principal, Notre Dame High School
"LYS makes a significant impact on the youth who participate. The students come back with a 'can do' attitude, a focus on teamwork, more self confidence, improved communication skills, a deeper commitment to making a difference in their school and community.” - Chris Martin and Jerome Jacob, Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana
From Business Leaders
"LYS is an outstanding program with a proven track record…I have heard nothing but praise from business and community leaders that have seen the positive impact it has had on students who attended." - Richard E. Zuschlag, Chairman & CEO, Acadian Ambulance Service
"The Shell Chemical Geismar Plant has sponsored students to attend LYS for many years… I have had the opportunity to attended LYS sessions and to meet with students. I can personally say that LYS teaches the students leadership skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. But, much more than that, LYS helps to develop the self-esteem of these young leaders. They experience the many aspects of diversity that can add value in building effective teams. These young leaders have the potential to be the catalyst for positive changes that will need to be made as our future unfolds." - Gary Lacombe, Former Communications Manager, Shell Chemical LP