Jr. REAL events builds community leaders in SD high schools

Motivational speaker and author Holly Hoffman of Eureka passes the torch to juniors and seniors from Woonsocket, Wessington Springs and Sanborn Central Tuesday, Oct. 8, as part of the SD Farmers Union Junior REAL Development Program.

Holly Hoffman knows a thing or two about being a survivor. The Eureka native caught national attention on CBS’s Survivor Nicaragua, as the last woman standing in her tribe. This past week she stood in front of high school students from Woonsocket, Wessington Springs and Sanborn Central as part of the SD Farmers Union Junior Rural Economic and Leadership (Jr. REAL) Development Program.
“When you face your fears, you gain strength and courage,” Hoffman told the young crowd. “Do not let your past mistakes define your future.” Hoffman is a mother of three, motivational speaker, author and medical student and shared how her rural upbringing shaped her personal ambitions.
The Junior REAL program, now in its fifth year, invests in high school juniors and seniors and presents a comprehensive one-day seminar to students from Woonsocket, Wessington Springs and Sanborn Central. Student participants engage in hands-on exercises while learning techniques to articulate civic responsibility. The conference focuses on leadership development, credit issues and identity theft, life skills and motivation.
Jr. REAL spurs young people to give back and help out in their own communities and build their leadership skills. The program is specifically focused on building young leaders in rural South Dakota.
Motivational speaker and trainer John Beranek, of Miller, shared the microphone and reminded the youth about community service. “When you decide to do something good for someone, they are not always ready to receive that help. You must be careful not to shame them and always be respectful.” Beranek cited his experiences from the Pay It Forward group he founded to anonymously give to those in need. “Helping out others is incredibly rewarding.”

Comments are closed.

  • Weather

    Failure notice from provider:
    Connection Error:http_request_failed
  • Upcoming Events

    March 2024
    Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
    February 25, 2024 February 26, 2024 February 27, 2024 February 28, 2024 February 29, 2024 March 1, 2024 March 2, 2024
    March 3, 2024 March 4, 2024 March 5, 2024 March 6, 2024 March 7, 2024 March 8, 2024 March 9, 2024
    March 10, 2024 March 11, 2024 March 12, 2024 March 13, 2024 March 14, 2024 March 15, 2024 March 16, 2024
    March 17, 2024 March 18, 2024 March 19, 2024 March 20, 2024 March 21, 2024 March 22, 2024 March 23, 2024
    March 24, 2024 March 25, 2024 March 26, 2024 March 27, 2024 March 28, 2024 March 29, 2024 March 30, 2024
    March 31, 2024 April 1, 2024 April 2, 2024 April 3, 2024 April 4, 2024 April 5, 2024 April 6, 2024
  • Recent Posts

  • Contact Us

    Ph/Fax: 605.796.4221
    Email: swj4221@icloud.com

    PO BOX 218
    Woonsocket, SD 57385
  • Archives