The summer of 2012 was quite exciting for two Rapid Run Middle School eighth graders, Loren Pfeiffer and William Oyler. Both attended the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC), hosted by the Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC) held in Washington D.C. They were two of 10 students nominated to attend by Rapid Run’s National Junior Honor Society co-advisor, Veronica Diaz.
This week-long event gives high-achieving middle school students the opportunity to learn about leadership by studying the leaders of the past and by gaining insight as to what it takes to become an effective leader. It is a challenging and interactive leadership program.
Pfeiffer and Olyer were able to attend numerous national memorials and daily Leadership Focus Groups dealing with character, communication, goal setting, problem solving, respect and teamwork. Pfeiffer stated, “It was a once in a lifetime experience!” Both she and Olyer mentioned the highlight of the experience was developing relationships with peers from all over the United States.
Oyler shared, “I met people from Hawaii!” Pfeiffer is still keeping close ties with friends she met from California. Both were thrilled to have the opportunity to visit Harpers Ferry and reenact scenes from the Civil War. Oyler and Pfeiffer chose to be soldiers during that time period. Oyler also enjoyed his visit to the White House.
This event has given both students the choice to participate in other leadership events. They have the chance to attend the event in Boston and also the inauguration camp in January held in Washington D.C., with the opportunity to see the Presidential Inauguration.
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