Lakeshore Excellence Foundation . . . Reach Higher

Economic Club

Economic Club Speaker Series Presentation 2007

It was a ‘touchdown’ for students from participating area high school students who attended the Economic Club Speaker Series presentation by Peyton Manning on April 25, 2007. In a joint event sponsored by the Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan and the Lakeshore Excellence Foundation, approximately 40 students and staff were treated to a photo opportunity with Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts and Super Bowl fame, followed by his speaking presentation. He challenged listeners to ‘enjoy the journey’ in whatever they chose to do with their life and passions. He shared the leadership lessons he has learned through his life experiences. He stressed the importance of being selfless, of trusting others and their contributions, of setting goals without taking shortcuts to achieve them, being more than a one dimensional person, and remembering to concentrate on the little things others overlook that make the big difference in being successful.

Participating high schools included Lakeshore, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Grace Christian, and Michigan Lutheran. After his presentation, students discussed some of the important lessons they took from Mr. Manning’s speech. Peyton Manning impressed them with his belief in the value of hard work, commitment, and the importance of reaching higher by building trust with others, being a good listener, and keeping priorities in order—Family First! He encouraged every individual to treat every opportunity like it’s your last by giving it your all, while always remembering to have fun along the way!

Economic Club of Southwest Michigan Welcomes Students (2005/2006)

Thanks to a new project sponsored by the LEF, students from five area high schools have the opportunity to attend live closed circuit broadcasts of the Economic Club presentations. Students from Lakeshore, St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Lake Michigan Catholic, and Lake Michigan Lutheran can apply through their high school office to attend these broadcasts. A round table discussion after the speeches promotes dialogue between the schools. On March 8, 2006 students were surprised when Senator John Edwards popped in to meet them and shake their hands. On April 4, 2006 another group of students attended the Julie Andrews speech. Lakeshore student Joanna Benkowski said of Ms. Andrews, “she is amazing; so poised, instant class, and funnier than I thought she would be.” The LEF is looking forward to a new group of students to attend Colin Powell, the last speaker of the Economic Club 2005/2006 season.