This summer, over 250 outstanding middle school students from across the United States will take 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 will be Tyrone Area Middle School student, Jacob Dorminy, who was nominated by his teacher, Lindsey Miksich.
Dorminy, who is a fifth grader, was invited to attend the conference from August 5 to August 10.
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 lists plans for leadership group meetings, visits to the nation’s memorials, a White House photo opportunity. Students will 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.
The week’s topics include: Welcome to your journey of leadership; Understanding America’s heritage: Leadership throughout history; Choices and consequences: John Brown and the path to Civil War; Conscience and consequences: Leadership in war and peace and The road ahead: Taking leadership home.
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.
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.
