2007 National Student Leadership Conference

(Click here for a daily journal and photos from the conference.)

By Nikki Miller

For a weekend this summer, some of the most promising, upcoming leaders in the world took over Indianapolis.

And they're only in high school.

Nearly 300 students from the United States, Canada and Israel gathered July 19-22 at the Hilton in downtown Indianapolis for the 2007 National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) National Student Leadership Conference. Along with adult delegates, they participated in group discussions, attended speaking sessions and did community service, among other activities.

"There are the same interests and the same problems (with high school students), no matter where you are," Israeli delegate Matthew Neilson said. "It's a lot more similar than you'd think. We're all in school, we all like sports and we understand each other. It's great to be here and help with the adjustment between cultures because I moved from Tennessee to Israel and can relate to both."

The conference was made possible through a grant by T-Mobile USA, Inc. Other sponsors included Samsung, Gatorade and Nike.

At the Opening General Session, Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of educational services and coordinator of the Student Leadership Conference, addressed everyone before Harvey Alston took the stage and presented his message of being the best.

"At the end of the day, we expect you to be a good person," Hopkins said. "I challenge you to be engaged. You'll come to find out it's not that different in your home state."

On Friday, July 20, the delegates attended two speaker sessions of their choice, ranging from "How to Safely Use Social Networking Web Sites" to "Successful Tips for the ACT/SAT Standardized Tests." Ten sessions were available, with speakers from The Princeton Review, Fifth Third Bank, the NCAA and TAKKLE.com, among others.

That evening, everyone left the Hilton for an outing at the Indianapolis Children's Museum. The students had full reign of all exhibits, and were treated to a magic show performed by Stephen Bargatze.

On Saturday, July 21, students participated in the last of three breakout sessions. All were based on topics such as respect, positive values, sportsmanship, teamwork and healthy lifestyles, and were led by college and adult facilitators from around the country.

The T-Mobile Huddle Up Community Service Project took place Saturday afternoon, and the delegates traveled to Oscar Charleston Park and Washington Park to lay mulch, pick up trash, sweep and paint. Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson also addressed the crowd, thanking everyone for their hard work and dedication to serving others. The night ended with a dinner and dance at the Hilton, and even the adults were allowed to show off their moves on the dance floor.

Felicia Hall-Allen, a compelling and energetic presenter from Charlotte, North Carolina, told students to "become who they were born to be," and prepare in advance for their "moment to lead," as part of the Closing General Session on Sunday, July 22.

Many memories were made during the weekend at the National Student Leadership Conference, and some tears were shed as the students said goodbye.

"I'm going to miss you," Hopkins said. "You've done well."

Students were encouraged to return to their respective schools and communities with new leadership skills and work with their adult counterparts to help develop a plan for their school and make a positive and significant impact on the community.

Miller was a summer intern in the NFHS Publications/Communications Department. She is a senior at the University of Dayton (Ohio), majoring in journalism and Spanish.