Clinton High School Student Selected As Sixth Winner in Leadership Program

abbygates(Above) Abigail Gates

CLINTON, Ark. (April 16, 2009) – Clinton High School sophomore Abigail Gates has been selected as the sixth winner in the “Discovering Tomorrow’s Leaders” program.  Gates is president of the Van Buren County 4-H Horse and Saddle Club.
Gates, 16, daughter of Lee and Teresa Gates, was selected for her participation and leadership in 4-H as well as school and community activities.  As a student in the Clinton High School’s Environmental and Special Technology (EAST) class, Gates founded and chaired the first Van Buren County Hometown Equestrian Organization Ride for Life on April 4.  She volunteered many hours recruiting and organizing other volunteers from the community for the event, which raised approximately $4,000 for the American Cancer Society through the county Relay for Life program.
The person who nominated Gates wrote:  “Abby’s attention to detail, her selflessness in the recognition of others, and her passion for life all make her an exceptional person.”
As sponsor of the “Discovering Tomorrow’s Leaders” program, Chesapeake Energy will donate a computer to Clinton High School in Gates’ name.  And as a weekly winner, she is now eligible to win her own laptop computer at a banquet for winners and their families next month.
The “Discovering Tomorrow’s Leaders” program is open to all students in Van Buren County.  People in the schools and communities can nominate students who belong to either FFA or 4-H and exhibit outstanding leadership qualities.  Two more weekly winners will be selected, and a computer will be donated to each winner’s school.
The nomination form runs weekly in the Van Buren County Democrat
and the Fairfield Bay News.  An online version of the form is also available
on the newspapers’ Web sites as well as the Web site of KFFB-FM Radio.  The
two newspapers and KFFB are media partners for the program.
“Chesapeake wants to recognize 4-H and Future Farmers of America students for their leadership and contribution to their communities,” said Robert Zeiler, manager of community affairs for Chesapeake in Arkansas.