Leadership Geauga

Day 5 of the Leadership Geauga Youth Institute Class of 2026 gave students an inside look at public safety, healthcare, and wellness in our community!

The day began at the Geauga County Sheriff's Office, where students heard from Sheriff Hildenbrand, watched a K-9 demonstration, learned about the work of the detective division, and toured the county's dispatch center.

Next, the class headed to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, where Jonathan Sague, COO and LG '26, shared insights into healthcare leadership and his career path. Students then toured the hospital and were treated to a special appearance by UH AirMed and an ambulance crew, providing a firsthand look at emergency medical services.

During lunch, students participated in an intergenerational networking experience with Leadership Geauga Heritage Program alums. The conversations focused on career paths, personal interests, life experiences, and advice, creating meaningful connections between generations of leaders.

The day concluded with Ravenwood Health, which led students through mindfulness techniques and outdoor activities focused on wellness and self-awareness.

A special thank you to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center for sponsoring lunch today and for serving as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Youth Institute Program. Your support helps make these experiences possible for our future leaders! 💙

Day four of the Leadership Geauga Youth Institute Class of 2026 was all about wellness and creativity!

The day began at St. Denis Golf Club, where students learned about the operations behind a golf course and the many careers that help keep it running.

Next, the class visited the Geauga County Department on Aging, where they joined members for a spirited game of chair volleyball and participated in a Boxing with Parkinson's class, gaining insight into programs that promote health, wellness, and community engagement for older adults.

Students then headed to Taproot Yoga Chardon, where Freia, LG '20, led a yoga session focused on mindfulness and well-being.

The afternoon continued at Fairmount Center for the Arts, where students participated in theater improv exercises that challenged them to think on their feet and work together. Nick, LG '15, of Company 119, then introduced the class to artificial intelligence, leading interactive exercises on how to use AI as a helpful tool for learning and productivity. The day concluded with Patrick, LG '22, guiding students through poetry-writing exercises that encouraged creativity and self-expression.

🌟 Youth Institute Spotlight: Addie Traylor – Class of 2026 🌟

Meet Addie Traylor, an energetic and service-minded member of Leadership Geauga’s Youth Institute Class of 2026!

Addie stays busy working two jobs—as a lifeguard at Chagrin Valley Racquet Club and a figure skating coach at The Pond. Through both roles, she enjoys helping others, building relationships, and developing skills that will serve her well in the future.

After learning about the Youth Institute from her college counselor, Addie knew it was an opportunity she couldn't pass up. She joined the program to explore career paths, strengthen her leadership abilities, and improve her communication skills while connecting with other motivated students.

Addie hopes to gain new friendships, leadership experience, and a better understanding of herself and others. She's especially interested in developing skills that will help her succeed in college, future careers, and helping professions where she can make a positive impact on those around her.

When she’s not working or participating in Youth Institute activities, Addie enjoys figure skating, coaching, swimming, spending time with friends and family, and hanging out with her pets.

Her favorite spot in Geauga County is Dairy Island, a summertime tradition where she can catch up with friends, celebrate after meets, and enjoy one of the community’s favorite gathering places.

We’re excited to see how Addie’s passion for helping others and enthusiasm for learning will shape her Youth Institute experience this year!

We officially kicked off the Leadership Geauga Youth Institute Class of 2026 today! 🎉

This year's class includes 36 students representing 12 different school districts from across Geauga County and beyond.

Students spent the day getting to know one another through icebreaker activities, presenting their "About Me" posters, participating in a communications workshop, and learning more about their CliftonStrengths assessment results and what those strengths mean for their leadership journey.

A special thank you to Melanie Scanlon for leading the CliftonStrengths portion of the day and to Marla Zwinggi, LG '22 and Vice President of our Board, for facilitating the communications workshop.

We're excited to watch these young leaders grow, connect, and discover more about themselves and their community over the next two weeks!

The Youth Institute is made possible through the support of University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center - thank you!!