Locust Valley High School Student Government leaders welcomed Student Council representatives from Locust Valley Intermediate School, Bayville Intermediate School and Locust Valley Middle School for a day of leadership development and collaboration.
Now in its second year, the Student Government Leadership Conference gave younger students an opportunity to learn from their high school peers while exploring skills that reflect the “Leader in Me” mindset.
“We spend the day working with the younger student body, teaching them the importance of communication and listening directions. We definitely had to put a lot of emphasis ourselves on how to teach them how to do those things as well. We did an obstacle course with the kids blindfolded to show them the importance of being very clear and forward with their directions so their friends are able to listen to them,” said Mia Marcantonio.
Through discussions and team-building activities led by the high school students, students explored leadership qualities, making difficult decisions, setting priorities in school and everyday life, following directions, practicing mindfulness and the importance of kindness.
“Something I learned today is to be kind and never make people feel left out, and team work,” said Georgia, a fifth grader from Locust Valley Intermediate.
“It’s really important to be kind and to listen,” said fifth grader Gia.
The conference brought student leaders from across grade levels together to share ideas and strengthen their leadership skills.
“I learned a lot about how to teach kids, how to listen and work with others,” said 11th grader Asher Zito.
“We are educating the younger student council members. In the station that I was working on, we were teaching them how to follow and give directions. And I learned myself how to be better at giving directions and being clear and teaching the kids how to do the right thing,” said 11th grader Jordan Sullivan.
Teachers Stephanie Scavelli and Ashley Gruter serve as Locust Valley High School’s student government advisers.
