June 3, 2009

Harding’s National Leadership Forum set for June 7-12

SEARCY, Ark. ⎯ More than 350 students from around the south will
gather for the 53rd Annual National Leadership Forum and Seminar at
Harding University June 7-12.

The program, designed for students in grades 9-12, develops leaders
and better acquaints youth with the American scene, motivating them to
an expression of pride in the country’s traditions and ideals. The
event is co-sponsored by Arkansas and Tennessee Farm Bureaus, Civitan
and other civic clubs, and Harding’s American Studies Institute.

Students will examine issues such as free enterprise, foreign policy,
the environment, family values, drug and alcohol abuse, and team
competition. Speakers will present a wide variety of lectures in
Benson Auditorium, allowing for question-and-answer periods afterward.
Scheduled presentations include:

Monday, June 8
•       Dean Sikes of the Spirit of America Foundation will present
“Discover Your Destiny” at 9:30 a.m.
•       Lt. Col. Steve Russell commanded the unit that captured Saddam
Hussein in 2003. He will present “Capturing Sadam” at 1:15 p.m.
•       Nathan Mellor, executive director of the Academy of Leadership and
Liberty at Oklahoma Christian University, will present “Leadership and
the Economy” at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, June 9
•       John Foppe was born without arms but has always had an indomitable
perspective on life. He will motivate students during “Life is an
Attitude” at 8:30 a.m.
•       Andrew Baker, executive director of the Institute for Church and
Family at Harding, will present “Leadership” at 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, June 10
•       Pat Socia, author of Weaving Character into Sex Education will
challenge teens in “Walk the Sexual Freedom Road” at 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, June 11
•       Deena Burnett Bailey, widow of Flight 93 passenger Tom Burnett, will
speak on “Everday Heroes” at 8:30 a.m.
•       Dr. Bob Reely, director of the National Leadership Forum and
associate executive director of the American Studies Institute, will
present “The American Economy” at 10:30 a.m.

Other speakers include Dee Carson on “How Leaders Learn,” Rick Revel
as George Washington in “God and Country,” B. Chris Simpson on “The
Power of 1,” and Melissa Burniston on “Critical Issues Facing the
Environment and Agriculture.”