Young leader in training

For most high school students, summer is a time to kick back and relax after a long academic year, occasionally partnered with working a part-time job.

But for a rising junior at Culpeper County High School, 10 long days will be spent tackling world issues and honing leadership skills.

Chris Frazier was nominated by an anonymous teacher to attend the National Young Leaders Conference in Vienna, Va., beginning July 18 as part of his goal to enter the field of law at the University of Virginia.

Frazier became interested in the career after joining the Junior Law Explorers program, which assists the Culpeper Police Department at the Third Thursday concert series and directs traffic during July 4 events.

Master Police Officer Timothy Sisk said Frazier, who ranks as a lieutenant, showed early signs of leadership.

“Chris was one of our first officers in the program,” Sisk said. “We tell him to do something, he takes care of it and handles it.”

In May, Frazier received an award from the Salem Ruritan Club for outstanding achievement in the Junior Law Explorers program.

“He’s very dedicated to the program,” Sisk said. “When we select officers, the advisers watch the students handle themselves, how dependable they are and read their essay on what leadership means to them and how they can make the program better.”

Frazier has also served as an SCA class officer and is on the CCHS varsity lacrosse and wrestling teams.

“I am excited for this opportunity,” he said. “All leadership skills that I can get are good.”

Frazier’s mother, Angela, felt honored that he was nominated for such a prestigious program.

“It’s exciting that someone thought highly enough of Chris to nominate him,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity.”

About the CYLC
The conference is sponsored by the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, founded in 1985 with the theme, “The Leaders of Tomorrow Meeting the Leaders of Today.”

Students participate in simulations and discussions such as “If I were president” and “Testing the Constitution.” They hold a model Congress and deal with current world issues.

In addition to touring the historical landmarks of neighboring Washington D.C., participants meet with former members of Congress and attend numerous leadership workshops.

With such a busy schedule and the need to pack lots of professional attire, Frazier also sees this as preparation for college life away from home.

“I can handle it,” he said to his mother, who offered to visit during the conference to do laundry.

But with such a striking program comes an equally striking price tag.

Money needed
The cost of attending the NYLC amounts to $2,515. The price tag includes breakfast and dinner for all 10 days, lodging, curriculum materials, transportation, and compensation for faculty advisers.

So Frazier and his family are going to the community to help cover the costs.

“Any help that he can get from the community would be greatly appreciated,” Angela Frazier said. “This is going to help him become a great community member as well as teach leadership skills and shape his future.

“The program is very accepting of money raised through the community, and they encourage the student to make the effort so they can understand the importance of it.”

Frazier has sent 30 letters to local businesses asking for assistance, but he has received little response.

“It’s a great opportunity to further my knowledge in leadership,” he said. “The more help the better.”