Suffolk wants you.

Whether you’re a born leader or someone who’s trying to learn the ropes, a series of workshops promise numerous offerings.

Suffolk Tomorrow, Paul D. Camp Community College, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce – Suffolk division, and the city of Suffolk will launch the sixth Suffolk Leadership Academy Feb. 1.

This academy will continue for 11 sessions.

The Suffolk Leadership Academy is designed to develop and strengthen leadership skills for citizens who want to serve the community in various roles, and to foster a better

understanding of the workings in the city and state government, according to Dr. George Barnett, academy organizer.

Sessions will be held at City Hall council chambers located at 411 Market Street and will include instruction in the theory and the practical application of leadership by W. Ross Boone.

Suffolk Police Lt. Debbie George is a Suffolk Leadership Academy graduate. She has nothing but praise for the program.

&uot;The Leadership Academy is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the city, how it operates and its history. It assists in developing and strengthening leadership skills,&uot; said George. &uot;You are given the opportunity to evaluate leadership characteristics and determine your own strengths and weaknesses.

&uot;After attending the Leadership Academy, I found myself seeking out and assuming more active roles both in my career and in the community.

More than 100 students have graduated from the Suffolk Leadership Academy.

Topics this year will include: Suffolk History, Local Government, Economic Development and Regionalism, Tourism, Agriculture, Education and Volunteerism.

A special trip to the General Assembly in Richmond and a tour of Suffolk has been added this year as well. Suffolk’s Municipal Access Channel (Channel 8) will

broadcast all the programs.

The instruction portion of the class runs from 5:30 to 6 p.m., at which time guest speakers will make presentations. Classes end at 8:30 p.m.

Dinner is provided for each class. The cost of the class is $250.

Companies are encouraged to sponsor a student or to enroll one of their &uot;best and brightest&uot; employees to become a member of the class.

For more information about the Suffolk Leadership Academy, contact Dr. Barnett at 539-8183 or W. Ross Boone at 539-9366.

Submit applications to: Suffolk Leadership Academy, P.O. Box 4047, Suffolk, Va. 23439.

luefras.robinson@suffolknewsherald.com