04/28/15 jgm
Five students from the Department of Leadership Studies participated in the recent Washburn Leadership Challenge Event hosted by the Washburn University Leadership Institute, Topeka.

The FHSU team took second place overall in the college division and won the Innovation Award for presenting the most creative and innovative solutions throughout the competition.

This annual event provides students the opportunity to participate in a real-life experience by simulating a real-world challenge. This year, students were challenged to address the one of three issues -- poverty, crime, or unemployment in the fictitious city of Metropolis, Kan.

The FHSU team chose to address the issue of unemployment, which would also address issues of poverty and crime. While attempting to address these issues, the students encountered obstacles such as a department leader calling in sick, constant incoming emails, and mid-day meetings.

Students were also tasked to design a final presentation to share at the "Metropolis Cares Expo."

The students were accompanied by their mentors, Kaley Klaus, graduate teaching assistant, and Dr. Jeni McRay, assistant professor of leadership studies, Virtual College International. Students who participated in the event are listed by hometown.

LITTLETON, Colo.: Tiffani Clark, sophomore.
HAYS: Ashley Moore, junior.
WILSON: Ashley Templeton, junior.
BALDWIN CITY: Trenton Russell, sophomore.
GARDEN CITY: Whitney Swender, senior.