Tuesday's Regional Fall Conference was packed with skill building workshops
By Beth Jones
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 5:51 p.m.
Read more: Local, Education
ESCANABA -- Good leadership skills can take you far in life. That's why it's so important to learn them at an early age.
Well Tuesday, over 100 high school and middle school students from across the U.P. spent the day learning how to become better leaders in their schools...and it was more hands-on than you'd think.
It may have looked just like fun and games, but it was actually team building exercises. From working together to keep a marble from hitting the floor, to finding creative ways to improve each school's student council, Tuesday's Regional Fall Conference was packed with skill building workshops.
The students are hoping to become better leaders.
"This will help me a lot with making decisions, how I cope with different people and how I just, in general, am leading in the school," explained Escanaba Middle School 8th Grader, Sean Berhow.
Officials with the Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies say Tuesday's conference in the U.P. is one of the largest ones they host state-wide throughout the year.
And with the 5 different leadership workshops, local advisors feel this conference helps not only the students attending but also the students running the workshops.
Officials say for the past 5 years, Menominee High School students have run the show...which takes weeks to prepare.
"We have students presenting for the very first time who are freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors who have never done a presentation in their entire life, so it's setting them up for future success," explained Menominee High School Student Council Advisor, Angie Matykowski.
And for some first timers taking part in Tuesday's activities, the trip to Escanaba will do the same for them.
"I think it taught me a lot about leading others and I'm really excited to bring all the ideas back to my student council and help my student body," explained Iron Mountain High School Junior, Emi Tomassucci.
This conference is held once a year. Eight different U.P. schools participated this year.
