Fifth-grader Brock Lignell has been selected to take part in the 2015 Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. this summer.
"I couldn't believe it when my parents told me!" Lignell said. "To have the opportunity to go the Washington, D.C., and learn about our founding fathers, where they actually were, is so awesome. I am honored to have been nominated, and I would like to say I'm very blessed to be able to do this."
The Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC), an Envision program, is designed for mature middle school students who demonstrate leadership potential; who are motivated to learn and excel; and who desire the critical leadership skills needed for success in middle school, high school, and beyond.
"Brock was the first student who came to mind when I read about the program," said Darlington P.E. teacher Darcy Liddle, who nominated Lignell. "He is very mature, motivated to learn, excels in the classroom and displays leadership qualities. I am so happy that he was selected and I know that he will represent Darlington School well!"
Students attending JrNYLC develop and sharpen the essential leadership skills needed for academic and career success by examining the leaders of the past, and are empowered to become leaders themselves. The program centers on leadership through a practical, everyday lens, incorporating a detailed examination of six leadership traits and focusing on leaders in American history and social advocacy.
"The Junior National Young Leaders Conference enables students to recognize their own leadership abilities in the context of great men and women from the past and present," said Marguerite Regan, dean of academic affairs for JrNYLC. "They return home with new confidence in their ability to make a positive impact in their school and communities. Washington, D.C., serves as the perfect backdrop for this inspiring program to generate a new generation of U.S. leaders."
At the six-day conference, students in grades 6-8 take part in fun and exciting workshops and participate in simulations to confront the challenges faced by historic leaders from the nation's past. Scholars also visit historically significant sites such as Harpers Ferry National Park and the National Mall, where they will explore museums, monuments, and memorials dedicated to U.S. founding fathers.
JrNYLC also takes students on an in-depth journey to view leadership challenges through the perspective of critical periods in American history: the Civil War Reconstruction, World War II, the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement, for example.
"The students gain a greater sense of themselves, their roles to preserve American democracy and their responsibilities as tomorrow's leaders," Regan said.
Past JrNYLC guest speakers have included Colin Powell and Condoleeza Rice.
At 11 years old, Lignell has already demonstrated his ability to lead at school by serving on the Playground Committee that proposed, stated the case for, and successfully secured funding for a new playground at Thatcher Hall for grades 3-5. The playground will be constructed this summer near Charlie Davidson Field.
Lignell says he strives to be excellent when it comes to academics. This year, he was a finalist in Darlington's Geography Bee, which is sponsored by the National Geographic Society. Additionally, he has played piano for four years and tennis for three years. In 2014, he was ranked No. 1 in the 12 and under Rome Tennis Circuit. He is the son of Dr. Mark and Wendy Lignell of Rome.
"It means so much to us that Darcy chose to nominate Brock for this incredible opportunity," said Wendy. "He is funny, compassionate, a loving family member and a loyal friend ... and he absolutely loves being a Tiger!"
For more information about the Junior National Young Leaders Conference, visit www.envisionexperience.com/leadership.
