The Brent Henley Youth Leadership Program is at the heart of the Broussard Chamber
Foundation. Established in 2022 in honor of Brent Henley, the program’s mission is
simple yet powerful: to create tomorrow’s leaders, today.
Now in its fourth year, the program has welcomed another group of 30 Lafayette Parish
high school juniors, representing both public and private schools, for a yearlong journey
of growth and discovery.
The adventure began at the Lafayette Parish Public Training Facility on West Willow,
where students were greeted by facilitator Captain John Mowell. From there, they heard
directly from leaders within the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Department, as well as first
responders from Acadian Ambulance and the Lafayette Fire Department.
Students had the rare opportunity to step inside an ambulance and even explore a
medical helicopter, gaining firsthand insight into the daily responsibilities of EMTs and
paramedics. These interactive experiences helped bring to life the courage, skill, and
leadership required in high-pressure situations.
But the day was about more than just equipment and demonstrations; it was about redefining what leadership looks like. Throughout the program, students learn that
leadership isn’t confined to CEOs or business owners. A leader can be the firefighter
behind the wheel of a truck, the SWAT commander making life-or-death decisions, or
the 911 dispatcher ensuring critical information reaches responders in the field.
The Brent Henley Youth Leadership Program emphasizes that leadership comes in
many forms and through nine months of training, mentoring, and hands-on experiences,
students gain a deeper understanding of what it means to lead in their own unique way.
First Responder Day was the perfect beginning, reminding these future leaders that
greatness often starts with service, courage, and a commitment to others.
