MANOR -- A drag racer and a former Major League Baseball scout were among the speakers at a luncheon held recently honoring student leaders in the Armstrong School District. Funny car racer Bobby Martin and David Rettig, former scout for the Florida Marlins, spoke to a group of student leaders from Elderton, Ford City, Kittanning and West Shamokin high schools at the Armstrong School District's Business-Education Leadership Luncheon. Rettig praised the four students who spoke at the luncheon, saying they were good role models for their peers. "I would follow you four anywhere," he said. The student speakers at the luncheon were Melanie Woytowish, student council vice president at Elderton; Jayson Elwood, student council president at Ford City; Lauren Porterfield, student council president at Kittanning High School; and James Priestas, student board representative at West Shamokin High School. Woytowish said leadership has been a learning experience for her. "I want to have a positive effect and influence on the people around me," she said. Others talked about leaders that were role models to them, and about the events in their lives that motivated them to become student leaders. "Leadership is not always making a speech or talking to someone," Elwood said. "It can be by example." Martin spoke about how leaders have to make tough and sometimes quick decisions, but don't fear the consequences if things go wrong. "You've got to be able to take a step into the unknown sometimes," he said. "Just go out and do your thing, just go out and be what you can be." The program also featured remarks by Armstrong School Board President Terry Rupp and Superintendent William Kerr. Kerr also had high praise for the students. "They're outstanding students, they are the best and brightest."

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