Local Students Attend Youth Summit

On Tuesday, Nov. 27, approximately 120 middle school students and staff, representing middle schools in the Robbinsdale Area schools communities,  attended the 18th annual Youth Summit at Golden Valley's Calvary Lutheran Church.

The Youth Summit, developed in 1994 by Community Education, empowers students in the areas of leadership and service learning as they face the pressures of adolescence. Through active participation students gain a better understanding of their school and community, develop critical thinking skills, connect with other students, set goals, and provide tools that will help them be more self-reliant and independent.

This year’s combination of student-led groups including NJHS (National Junior Honor Society), Student Council, and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a perfect synergy of individuals who can benefit from working collaboratively in leadership roles. As potential leaders in our school culture their attitudes have a powerful impact on those who are around them.

The theme of the event was "Stepping into Your Greatness” and the key note was Nancy Hellander Pung, Leadership, Life & Academic Coach with the Gary s. Stevens Foundation. Nancy addressed leadership coaching, using a comprehensive experiential, interactive training model to empower students.

After the Youth Summit, students will be developing and implementing an authentic service project unique to their school or community. The interpersonal connections made through this experience are sure to enhance relationship-building among each other and continue their work as our leaders of tomorrow.

Information provided by Robbinsdale Area Schools.