Student To Attend National Leadership Conference

Anthony Santella of Sandy Hook was recently chosen to participate in the National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC) in Washington, D.C., from November 9 through November 14. NYLC is a unique leadership development program for high school students who have demonstrated leadership potential and scholastic merit.

Anthony will be one of approximately 400 top-achieving students from across the nation attending this year’s conference.

The theme of this year’s NYLC is “The Leaders of Tomorrow Meeting the Leaders of Today.” Throughout his ten days in Washington, Anthony will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of personnel who operate within the three branches of government, the news media, and the international community.

Highlights of past conferences have included welcoming remarks from the floor of the US House of Representatives as well as a panel discussion with prominent journalists at the National Press Club.

In addition, students will meet senators and representatives or appointed staff members to discuss important issues facing the nation.

To complement the schedule of special meetings and briefings, Anthony will also participate in a number of leadership skill-building activities and simulations.

In one role-play activity, “If I were President,” Anthony and his peers will act as the president and cabinet members responding to an international crisis. Students will also participate in “Testing the Constitution,” in which they will examine actual Supreme Court cases. The conference will culminate with “Model Congress,” in which the young scholars will assume the role of US representatives and debate, amend, and vote on proposed mock legislation.

The Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC), a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization, sponsors NYLC. Founded in 1985, the council is committed to fostering and inspiring young people to achieve their full leadership potential. For additional information, visit www.cylc.org.