Penquis Valley and PCHS girls attend Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute Fall Forum
By Ian Carey, Penquis Valley High School guidance counselor
BANGOR — Fourteen girls from Penquis Valley High School and Piscataquis Community High School had the pleasure of attending the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute Fall Forum on Sept. 29 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor.
The Institute is designed to raise the confidence and aspirations of high school girls by helping them develop the skills required to be leaders in their lives, families, careers, and communities. Studies show that girls are less likely to take on leadership roles or pursue some classes, passions, and opportunities, yet the Institute is working to reverse that across the state of Maine.
“Olympia’s Leaders,” as participants are called, are selected for their leadership potential, which is developed during a three-year progression through the themes: “My Values” (10th grade), “My Voice” (11th grade), and “My Vision” (12th grade).
Olympia’s Leaders engage in a unique curriculum blending experiential activities in small and large groups, individual tasks and reflections, and tailored connections with Maine’s business and community leaders — including former U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe herself.