January 16, 2002 Press Release

LOCAL NON PROFIT LEADER CARRIES TORCH FOR 2002 OLYMPICS

On January 19, 2002, Laura Hellenthal Wilke, will carry the Olympic Torch for the 2002 Winter Olympics in honor of her work for the National Teen Leadership Program. Laura was selected along with 11,500 others in a nationwide selection process that reviewed over 215,000 entrees. The nominating letter was written by 1993 alumni, Noah Smith of Lassen County, a three year alumni and Over-All High Achiever Winner.

Laura founded NTLP on the belief that our teenagers have limitless dreams, incredible drive, and unbounded potential. NTLP’s mission is to cultivate and empower student leaders– a mission that has gathered strength and momentum under her direction. With virtually no capital and limited experience, Laura successfully organized the first annual leadership weekend for high school students in 1992. Inspired by the 180 attendees, she became acutely aware of the massive number of teens that were unrecognized, maligned in the media, and walking a tightrope trying to balance their lives between peer pressure and insecurity – the leading fundamental causes of negative behavior in our youth.

In 2002 NTLP celebrates its 10th anniversary, a milestone shared with over 5000 alumni who have strongly benefited from Laura’s tireless direction. They have become highly motivated and career oriented young adults, many assisted by over $150,000 in NTLP college scholarships.

Due to Laura’s renowned accessibility and personal dedication, over 700 of these alumni have volunteered their support since 1992 and the camps’ schedules, pace, curriculum, and peer interaction have been designed around their feedback. While she represents herself as a minor part of the team, she plays offense, defense, coach, and cheerleader. She totally believes in the intelligence and intuitiveness of the youth she works with– an approach often lost on older, wiser adults.

LOCAL NON PROFIT LEADER CARRIES TORCH FOR 2002 OLYMPICS
The theme of this year’s Olympics is “Light the Fire Within” and torchbearers were selected based on their “contribution to community, overcoming adversity and embodiment of the Olympic Spirit.” NTLP’s torch has been burning bright for 10 years and it is fitting that NTLP be represented on behalf of all the alumni that have inspired, motivated and contributed to their peers and their community.

Laura Hellenthal Wilke, President, National Teen Leadership Program carries the torch
Saturday, January 19, 2002, 6:10pm.

Where: Sacramento, just east of the 99 Freeway, from intersection of 33rd St. at 7th Ave. to the intersection of 33rd St. at Donner Way

CONTACT: BILL GEORGE, DIRECTOR 916-444-2671
BOARD CHAIR: DAVE LUKENBILL, 916-486-3856
NTLP: 916-548-7446 OR 916-565-1950

To all friends of NTLP:

(about 2/10 of a mile). The best place to be is where her flame is lit by the previous runner (at the beginning) or where she lights the torch of the next runner in the segment at Donner Way. (Or of course, anywhere in between). If you can, wear your NTLP shirt or bring an NTLP sign so Laura can see you among the spectators.