Students from seven county school districts met at Farrell High School Wednesday to talk about and put to use decision-making skills for their future with a new twist.

The students from Farrell, Hermitage, Kennedy Christian, Mercer, Sharon, Sharpsville and West Middlesex high schools are part of Jr. Leadership Shenango -- a group of students who exhibit leadership skills and meet to discuss topics relevant to them, such as ethics, teambulding and communication, said Barbara Blue, Farrell teacher and Jr. Leadership adviser.

The students meet once a month from September through April at different schools, Ann Coleman, Jr. Leadership adviser and finance director for the Office of Congressman Phil English, said, noting this year is different because the students have designed and organized the sessions.

Sarah McHarg, a first-year participant and junior at Kennedy Christian, said she is impressed at how organized the events are and how they help students prepare for the future.

Ebony Savage, a senior from Farrell who has been involved with the program for two years, said she learned that many of the students and adults have made the same mistakes in life such as lying to their parents.

Ebony said she has learned a lot from her peers and has gotten a chance to test her leadership skills.

Tony Rossi, a two-year participant and senior at Kennedy Christian, said he has really benefited from the program. He said it prepares students for what things will be like in the "real world" after school.

Speakers from the community were invited to tell students about their jobs and decisions concerning their lives and work within the community. They spoke to the students about how they decided on a college and career and how they became active in their community.

Gail Young, executive director of the United Way of Lawrence County, talked to the students about knowing their strengths and weaknesses and the importance of having a mentor to give them guidance.She said young people need someone to set an example and help them make good, educated decisions.

Chris Portman, a Mercer senior and three-year member of Jr. Leadership Shenango, said he became involved with the group after a high school adviser saw he had interests in leadership. Chris said he saw a need for good student leaders. He said being active in the group has taught him to be a better decision maker and a leader, not a follower.

The students also heard from Clarice Flint-Perry, director of Equal Opportunities and Disabilities at Youngstown State University, who told them about the importance of young people having a voice in their community.

She urged the participants -- as student representatives -- to become involved in their city and schools and challenged them to start a newsletter or Web page to let other students know what they are doing to promote leadership.

Jr. Leadership Shenango was founded four years ago by the school districts and the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Coleman said.

Other community representatives and school officials spoke to the students. The 28 students also did role playing exercises concerning decision making.