Garrettsville – Senior Zach Hoffmann recently spent a week sharpening his leadership skills and is ready to bring them back to the athletic fields and classrooms at James A. Garfield High School. Zach was among an elite group of students selected to attend the 12th annual Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute, sponsored by Jim Oelschlager, owner of Oak Associates Inc. in Akron. The week-long event was held at the University of Akron and the students stayed on campus to get a taste of college living.
Zach was one of 48 students selected from seven-county area. Students selected were required to demonstrate an earnest desire to learn and lead. This desire was measured by their participation in school activities and academic performance. Zach is a member of the James A. Garfield Varsity Football team and marching band and has demonstrated strong academic marks.
The participants were separated from their parents for a week to undergo an intense training program. They were treated to an Aeros game after leadership-building seminars, and attended many team-building and problem-solving exercises as well as a campus tour. Icebreaker exercises helped the students form trust and friendships with one another. A reunion is already planned to get all 48 students together this November.
On Thursday, August 8th the James A. Garfield Board of Education recognized Zach by presenting him with an “Award of Excellence”. In attendance were Zach’s parents, Kim and John Hoffmann.
