This summer, over 250 outstanding middle school students from across the United States took part in an extraordinary leadership conference in Washington, D.C.
Themed “Voices of Leadership: Reflecting on the Past to Create the Future”, the Junior National Young Leaders Conference introduces young people to the rich tradition of leadership throughout American history, while helping them develop their own leadership skills.
Among those students attending this year’s conference was Tyrone Area Middle School student, Jacob Dorminy, who was nominated by his former teacher, Lindsey Miksich.
Dorminy, now a sixth grade student at TAMS, attended the conference from August 5 to August 10 at the American University in College Park, Md.
Along with the other students, Dorminy traveled to Philadelphia, Harper’s Ferry and Baltimore. Participants also spent a day touring the nation’s capitol where they visited the Capitol Building, White House, Supreme Court and Pentagon.
While students had the opportunity to learn about the history of this nation and government, they also participated in workshops throughout the conference that covered topics such as leadership, teamwork and respect.
“I really enjoyed my trip and had fun visiting all of these historic places,” said Dorminy of his recent experience, “My favorite things were learning how to be a Civil War soldier, eating lunch at the Hard Rock Café and the sleepover at the Maryland Science Center.”
To help defray the cost of the trip, Jacob earned his conference tuition by writing local businesses for sponsorships and hosting a Silpada jewelry fundraiser.
Jacob and his parents would like to thank all the family, friends and businesses who helped make his trip to the JrNYLC possible including: American Legion, Bruce Cox Construction, Juniata Packing, Kimmel Insurance and Financial Services, Kiwanis Club of Tyrone, Levine’s Shoe Fly, Logan Beverage, Mayes Memorials, Moove-in Self Storage, Reclamere, Town and Country Animal Hospital and Tyrone VFW.
The JrNYLC is for high-achieving fifth and sixth grade students, providing them with an opportunity to learn about leadership and how they can make a positive impact on their community.
“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 found confidence in their ability to exercise positive influence within their communities,” said Mike Lasday, executive director of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, the organization that sponsors JrNYLC.
“Young people are not only welcome in Washington, D.C., they actually keep this city and our country running,” he concluded.
During the six-day program, scholars take part in educational activities and presentations. They may also meet with elected officials and key Congressional staff members on Capitol Hill.
Students also visit relevant sites such as the historic district of Philadelphia; Harpers Ferry, WV and Washington D.C.’s monuments and memorials.
In addition to examining notable US leaders and historic figures, students also 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.
A six-day agenda includes plans for leadership group meetings, visits to the nation’s memorials, a White House photo opportunity. Students also participate in field study experiences which may include a trip to the Pentagon, the International Monetary Fund, the National Museum of the American Indian, Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens (home of George Washington), the National Archives and Records Administration or the National Cryptologic Museum.
Congressional Youth Leadership Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization. Since 1985, the council has inspired more than 200,000 young people to achieve their full leadership potential. Nearly 400 members of the US Congress join the 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, interested individuals can visit the website at www.cylc.org.
