Small Town News

Sussex student attends leadership conference

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Local Sussex Tech sophomore Alexa "Lexi" August was one of three students in the state accepting nominations to attend the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., June 20-29. The National Young Leaders Conference gives high-achieving high school students a greater understanding of their roles in a democratic government and the responsibilities accompanying that leadership.

National Young Leaders scholars receive experience and guidance by meeting with U.S. Cabinet secretaries, members of Congress, diplomats, lobbyists and journalists. In addition, attendees delve into hands-on leadership skill-building activities and simulations. In the role-play activity, If I Were President, National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC) participants act as the president and Cabinet members responding to an international crisis. Students examine landmark Supreme Court cases in Testing the Constitution, such as Arizona v. Johnson on probable cause, and meet with the media to learn tips for promoting social advancement causes. In The Model Congress, NYLC scholars assume roles of representatives who debate, amend and vote on hypothetical mock legislation, including students' individual grassroots projects. Some 400 attendees from across the nation and abroad also campaign for elected positions within the conference peer group. August was elected president of her leadership meeting group and chairperson of her NYLC caucus.

The NYLC staff scheduled congressional appointments for scholars to meet their state senators and at least one of their state representatives. August visited the Hart Senate Office and the Longworth House Office where she met with Sen Thomas Carper and Rep. Michael Castle and engaged in enlightening discussion on timely governmental issues.

Upon implementing her NYLC grassroots project, 'Staying a Winner,' with area fifth-graders, August will qualify for a $500 National Youth Leadership scholarship. She is now eligible to attend the Global Youth Leaders Conference in New York, in conjunction with international high schoolers and United Nations leaders.





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