Throughout each step of a student’s academic journey, the SEL Schools seeks to provide opportunities to develop leadership skills that will help them grow and make a positive difference in our world. During the morning on Wednesday, January 26th, Memorial Junior High School students Ashely Amer, Thomas Denk, Savion Lewis, Amelia Quigley, Sophia Rondini, Douglas Taylor, Kevin Woodgett, Karma Warner, Cory Lucas, and Aiyandi Ramsey, along with Assistant Principal David Capretta, attended a Leadership Conference held at North Royalton Middle School. Participating students had the opportunity to meet with fellow peers from other area school districts and attend a series of presentations and breakout sessions led by renowned youth speaker, Keith Hawkins. Drawing on his own personal story of experiencing hardships as a teenager, including neighborhood violence, and being primarily raised by a single mom, Keith shared how leadership opportunities in high school gave him hope, purpose, and a foundation to achieve his goals. Mr. Hawkins encouraged the students in attendance to persevere through whatever struggles they are facing and build relationships with others to grow and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. The engaging program provided an inspiring message, leadership training and an opportunity to make new friends. Congratulations to all participating students for taking the initiative to develop leadership skills and grow as student leaders in the SEL Schools!