FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
McLeod County Student Leaders Unite for Annual Leadership Day
Hutchinson, MN — March 26, 2026 — Student leaders from across McLeod County gathered in Hutchinson on Thursday, March 26 for the Annual McLeod for Tomorrow Student Leadership Day, an engaging event focused on leadership development, collaboration, and community awareness. Held at the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) community room, the full-day experience provided students with valuable opportunities to connect, learn, and actively engage in shaping the future of their communities.
The event brought together student leaders selected by counselors and administrators from each participating school in recognition of their leadership qualities. Participants included students from New Century Academy, Hutchinson High School, Glencoe-Silver Lake High School, Lester Prairie High School, Holy Trinity School in Winsted, and a homeschooled student. Throughout the day, students built connections across schools, networked with peers, and engaged in meaningful discussions about their role as future community leaders.
Sponsored By McLeod For Tomorrow
Organized and facilitated by Jocelynn Buckentin, McLeod for Tomorrow (MFT) board member and teacher at Hutchinson Public Schools, alongside Meg Schlueter, Program Coordinator at McLeod for Tomorrow. Students also heard from Liz Danielson, McLeod County’s Economic Development Coordinator, who presented on local workforce, economic, and demographic trends. Her presentation highlighted key realities facing the county, including a growing aging population and ongoing workforce shortages, as well as strong opportunities in high-demand fields like manufacturing, healthcare, and skilled trades.
Students also explored how economic development goes beyond job creation—focusing on improving quality of life, strengthening schools, building workforce pipelines, and creating sustainable communities. Building on these insights, students collaborated to discuss and debate solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing McLeod County today.
Tour of MITGI
A highlight of the day was a tour of MITGI’s facilities, where students gained firsthand insight into advanced manufacturing and innovation. During the visit, students learned about product development, the company’s hiring and training processes, and how robotics are integrated into the creation process. The tour emphasized MITGI’s commitment to safety, cleanliness, innovation, and the creation of custom tools designed to meet unique client needs—often developing solutions that have never existed before.
On going Community Involvement
In addition, Liz Danielson invited students to continue their civic engagement by participating in the upcoming McLeod County Housing Forum on April 7, emphasizing that students have an immediate opportunity to apply their leadership skills and have a voice in shaping the future of their county.
Thank You For Your Support!
McLeod for Tomorrow extends sincere appreciation to community partners and organizations whose support made this event possible. Their investment in youth leadership helps cultivate the next generation of community-minded leaders.
Through events like Student Leadership Day, McLeod for Tomorrow continues to empower students to take an active role in shaping their future and strengthening their communities. Organizers look forward to expanding opportunities for student engagement and leadership development in the years ahead.
Special thanks to the Student leadership Sponsors:
MITGI Inc, Southwest Initiative Foundation, Hutchinson Elks Club, Glencoe American Legion, Silver Lake American Legion, Glencoe VFW, and the Lions clubs of Brownton, Stewart, Silver Lake, and Lester Prairie.
About McLeod for Tomorrow:
McLeod for Tomorrow is a nonprofit organization dedicated to community development, leadership growth, and collaborative initiatives throughout McLeod County. By fostering partnerships and empowering individuals, the organization works to build a vibrant and sustainable future. Applications for the upcoming program year are now open. Learn more at www.mcleodfortomorrow.com.
Note to Editors: Images from the event are available here.
