BY ALICIA DORSET
Clarkston News Staff Writer
Andrea Johnson, a Clarkston sixth grader at Cedar Crest Academy, participated in the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. Feb. 14-19 with other students from around the country.
Nominated by principal Bette Moen, Johnson spent the week developing leadership skills in a program designed for middle school leaders.
‘I learned about character and different things that make up a leader,? Johnson said.
She also visited memorials throughout the nation’s capital, the National Museum of History, took a trip to colonial Williamsburg in Virginia and attended seminars on leadership. Other activities included a reception for students on Capitol Hill and a sleepover at the Maryland Science Center.
Johnson was the only student from Clarkston to attend this session.
‘I didn’t know anyone, but I met a lot of people.?
Johnson’s family went to Washington, D.C. with her, but stayed behind when conference activities took place.
‘It (conference) was a chance to develop independently,? Amy Johnson, Andrea’s mother, said. ‘It tied into the learning opportunity. It was a group of kids her age that she got to spend time with independently.?
The theme of this year’s conference was ‘The Legacy of American Leadership?. The program’s format lead students, such as Johnson, through the evolution of the United States, from the days of the original thirteen colonies all the way through the modern era of the Civil Rights Movement.
‘One of the key elements of the Junior National Young Leaders Conference is to allow students like Andrea the opportunity to place their feet in the same footsteps of our country’s forefathers,? Mike Lasday, executive director of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, said.
The conference allowed Johnson to not only develop leadership skills, but to visit the nation’s capital for the first time.
‘I liked seeing Washington, D.C. because I’ve never been there before,? Johnson said.
Moen found Johnson to be a perfect candidate for the conference.
‘The conference is looking for outstanding intellect, but show emotional intelligence as well,? Moen said. ‘That’s truly Andrea: athletic, academic, compassionate and empathetic. She can see other people’s points of view. It was an awesome experience.?
Johnson isn’t the only student from Cedar Crest to attend the conference. Susan Hoddinott, William Hancock and Ethan McMurray attended summer sessions. This spring Emily Merlot, Maddie Pascoe, Carina Zahdeh, Aaron Duscharme and Tessa Huttenlocher will also attend the event as well.
While rewarding for Johnson, the trip didn’t act as career catalyst.
‘I like studying history and learning about it, but I’m not sure about going into politics,? Johnson said.