Future Leaders

Yesterday morning, I had the privilege of addressing 270 high school juniors at Pepperdine University.  The week-long program is named Pepperdine?s Southern California Youth Citizenship Seminar, and is hosted by Pepperdine?s chancellor,

Charles Runnels.  The top high school Junior from each school in California is invited to attend, and they are put through work shops, listen to lectures and participate in discussion groups about building character, developing leadership skills, identifying and pursuing goals and achieving success.  As I stood at the podium and delivered my speech, I knew I was reaching the future leaders of America. 

This was my ninth year participating in the seminar, and it gets better every year.  I really enjoy going to the Malibu campus, which is an outstanding campus, and helping those young people.  I certainly hope they enjoyed my speech, and also hope they take my advice.  As I told them, I know what it is to be their age, but they don?t know what it is to be my age. 

I would like to congratulate Chancellor Runnels and his wonderful staff, and thank all the students for their commitment and interest.  Other speakers at the seminar include Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, George Forman, and Art Linkletter.