Decatur student to attend National Student Leadership Congress

Photo by Mike Eckels Tyler Riddle, a sophomore at Decatur High School, was selected to attend the National Student Leadership Congress in Washington, D.C. June 7-12. Riddle was chosen to represent the University of Arkansas Educational Talent Search Program at the Washington D.C. event.
Photo by Mike Eckels Tyler Riddle, a sophomore at Decatur High School, was selected to attend the National Student Leadership Congress in Washington, D.C. June 7-12. Riddle was chosen to represent the University of Arkansas Educational Talent Search Program at the Washington D.C. event.

DECATUR -- Across the United States, students from all walks of life get the chance to go to Washington D.C. to observe our government in action. For one Decatur High School sophomore, that chance will happen this June.

Tyler Riddle was selected by the University of Arkansas Office of Diversity Affairs to represent the Educational Talent Search Program at the National Student Leadership Congress convention in Washington D.C. June 7-12.

Riddle, along with two other area students, will travel to the nation's capitol to attend leadership workshops hosted by some of the nation's leading policy makers and educational leaders. He will also have the opportunity to interact with other talent program students from across the country and visit a few of this nation's historic landmarks.

The Talent Search Program is open to area students from grades 6 to 12 to "promote skills and disseminate information necessary for successfully entering college and completing a baccalaureate degree," according to talentsearch.uark.edu. Five area school districts -- Rogers, Springdale, Lincoln, Gentry and Decatur -- participate in this university-sponsored program.

To be selected for the Educational Talent Search Program, Riddle first had to submit an application and letter of recommendation to the Educational Talent Search Program. Once all necessary paperwork was submitted and approved, Riddle was interviewed by a selection committee from the university.

Deborah Coffer, Decatur High School principal, reflected the pride and admiration the administration, faculty and students have for Riddle when his selection was announced.

"This is a great opportunity for Tyler. This will help him grow academically and help to develop the leadership skills we know he possesses. We are all proud of him," Coffer said.

General News on 05/07/2014