It’s said to be the longest continuously running adult and youth partnership in the state, and at age 25, Oconto County Partnership Inc. is still helping today’s teens.
The partnership, incorporated in 1989, initially involved school administrators and Cooperative Educational Service Agency representatives, as part of the Safe and Healthy Schools initiative. It focused on alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse prevention, but over time the focus has broadened.
“We’re not only a drug prevention and awareness organization. We’re now doing leadership, financial literacy, those kinds of things,” said Michael Thielke, chairman of Oconto County Partnership.
Thielke was one of several Oconto County Partnership representatives to accept a certificate of appreciation of outstanding service Feb. 19 from County Board Chairman Lee Rymer at the County Board meeting.
“We hope to continue to do it for generations,” Thielke said.
Oconto County Partnership was one of the first three youth/adult alliances formed in the state, and in 1998 received the National Safety Council Award of Commendation, which recognizes dedication and commitment to development and advancement of safety and health programs.
The partnership involves more than 20 student members from the five high schools in the county: Gillett, Lena, Oconto, Oconto Falls and Suring. The group meets on the first Friday of the month from September through May, and students mirror the adults’ offices, presiding over meetings and serving as secretary and treasurer.
Adult treasurer Mary Lemmen said the goals of the meetings are to educate and involve students, while encouraging leadership development. Student-run meetings help youth grow in their public speaking skills, she said.
“It takes away the shyness where they can actually talk in front of people,” Lemmen said.
Students are exposed to different experiences, such as a tour of the courthouse and county jail, where they learned how county government works.
“It’s very educational for the kids,” Lemmen said.
Alek Ertman, a sophomore at Oconto High School, said it was one of his favorite experiences during his two years with the partnership.
“I got to learn how everybody worked together, and how everybody has a job to do,” he said.
Student Brianna Cain, also an Oconto sophomore in her second year with the partnership, said she likes the collaborative nature of the organization.
“I really like how we work with different adults in the county, and I like how we have a say in what goes on,” she said.
She said she gained ideas from students from other schools, specifically in the area of drug and alcohol awareness.
“You get to see what goes on in their districts, and we get to see how we can make our district better, too,” she said.
The partnership is funded though grants and donations, so members devote time to fundraising. They also participate in the Adopt a Highway program. Another function of the organization is planning its annual Youth Awareness Day, scheduled this year on May 1 at Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya.
In the past, Youth Awareness Day attendance topped 250, but schools have recently restricted their spending for transportation, meaning fewer students participate.
Presentations at this year’s event are still in the works, but past keynote speakers have included former Green Bay Packers player LeRoy Butler and Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels, who was elected to the Manitowoc Common Council at the age of 18 and elected mayor at 22.
Breakout sessions are offered on topics such as team building, college prep, financial literacy and leadership. In 2014, Rainbow House presented information about teen dating.
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