This spring, Robert Stuart Middle School sixth grade student Abigail Drexler will join over 250 outstanding students from across the United States to take part in the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC) in Washington, D.C. Themed Voices of Leadership: Reflecting on the Past to create the Future, this leadership conference introduces young people to the rich tradition of leadership throughout American history, while helping them develop their own leadership skills.
Abigail was nominated to participate in the leadership conference by her school counselor and Student Council advisor, Paula Watkins. The trip will coincide with the Twin Fall School District Spring Break.
“The aim of the Junior National Young Leaders Conference is to inspire students to recognize their own leadership skills, measure their skills against those of current and former leaders and return home with new confidence in their ability to exercise positive influence within their communities,” said Marguerite Regan, Dean of Academic Affairs for the Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC), the organization that sponsors JrNYLC. “Young people are not only welcome in Washington, D.C., they actually keep this city and our country running.”
During the six-day program, scholars take part in educational activities and presentations; as well they may meet with elected officials and key Congressional staff members on Capitol Hill. Students also visit relevant sites, such as the historic district of Philadelphia, P.A., Harpers Ferry, W.V., and Washington, D.C.’s monuments and memorials. In addition to examining notable U.S. leaders and historic figures, students study the impact of leadership throughout critical periods of American history including the Civil War and Reconstruction, World War II, the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement. Upon completion of JrNYLC, students gain a greater sense of understanding of the role of individuals in American democracy, as well as the responsibilities of being a leader.
CYLC is a nonpartisan, educational organization. Since 1985, the Council has inspired more than 200,000 young people to achieve their full leadership potential. Members of the U.S. Congress join our commitment by serving on the CYLC Honorary Congressional Board of Advisors. In addition, more than 40 embassies participate in the Council’s Honorary Board of Embassies.
For additional information, visit us at www.cylc.org.