The 8th annual Student-Athlete Leadership Conference, sponsored by the Allstate Foundation, was hosted by Howard HS on Saturday, 6/10 and all who attended left energized and enlightened!  Comedienne Kathy Buckley kicked off both the morning and afternoon sessions sharing her extraordinary life's story to deliver the message that anything can be achieved when the heart and mind work together.  

     Student-athletes moved on to participate in a variety of workshops addressing group dynamics, hazing, social media, and a captain's course.  A delicious lunch provided by Wendy's (DAVCo) concluded an active morning and refueled the troops for the afternoon activities.  Following Kathy Buckley's talk after lunch, students participated in team building activities and the Allstate Community School Supply drive.  This community service project results in the bundling of various school supplies together for nine Title I elementary schools, one in each of the nine MPSSAA districts.

     Many thanks to the Student Leadership Committee, led by Michael Duffy, for their insight, organization, and energy in the planning and execution of this event.  Our thanks also goes out to Howard HS and their staff for extending their hospitality to us in hosting the event at their school.  In addition to the committee members, we owe a debt of gratitude to all of those coaches, athletic directors, and district level athletic administrators for their expertise in leading and/or assisting with sessions throughout the day.  The attendees couldn't ask for a better group of individuals to help mold their leadership skills.  Enjoy your summer and we look forward to seeing the results of the leadership "seeds" that were planted at this conference  in the coming school year!