Local student tapped to attend conference

Susan Hoddinott, of Clarkston, has been selected to attend the Junior National Young Leaders Conference from July 5 to July 10 in Washington, D.C. The conference is a unique leadership development program for middle school students.
Themed ‘The Legacy of American Leadership,? the conference introduces young people to the rich tradition of leadership throughout American history, while helping them develop their own leadership skills. Hoddinott will participate in educational activities and presentations led by individuals in positions of leadership. Students will also visit historic national landmarks, including Colonial Williamsburg, from which the country took shape.
‘While most students read about leadership in books, Susan Hoddinott will complement classroom studies by walking along the same paths and hallways as some of our country’s great leaders,? Executive Director Mike Lasday said. ‘The leadership exercises developed by the Junior National Young Leaders Conference will challenge students to think and act strategically when it comes to teamwork, problem-solving and setting goals.?
In addition to examining notable U.S. leaders and historic figures, Hoddinott will study the impact of leadership throughout critical periods of American history, including the Civil War and Reconstruction, World War II, the Great Depression and the Civil Rights movement. Upon completion of the conference, students will take home a greater understanding of the role of the individual in American democracy, as well as the responsibilities of being a leader.