JAY – Katie Mastine of Jay participated in the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., from Feb. 8 to 13.

Mastine is a junior at Jay High School. She plays basketball, tennis and field hockey. She is involved in the Big Sister program, Student Council and other school activities. She would like to pursue a career in teaching.

The conference is a leadership development program for high school students who have demonstrated leadership potential and scholastic merit. Mastine was one of approximately 400 outstanding scholars from around the country at the conference.

The theme was “The Leaders of Tomorrow Meeting the Leaders of Today.” Throughout six days, Mastine interacted with personnel who operate within the three branches of government, the news media and the international community.

“The National Young Leaders Conference prepares students like Katie Mastine to serve our country well, whether that means as elected officials in our nation’s capital, as active members within communities around the world or as intelligent, creative and responsible members of the work force,” said Mike Lasday, executive director of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, the organization that sponsors the conference.

“Through a series of simulations, we place these young leaders in the proverbial driver’s seat on a variety of issues facing our country today. Their determination, as shown within the conference, is a good indicator of the types of leaders we will see in the future,” he said.

Complementing a schedule of special meetings and briefings, Mastine participated in a number of leadership skill-building activities and simulations. In one role-play activity titled “If I were President,” students acted as the president and cabinet members responding to an international crisis.

Students also participated in “Testing the Constitution,” in which they examined Supreme Court cases. The conference culminated with the “Model Congress,” in which the scholars assumed the roles of U.S. Representatives, and debated, amended and voted on proposed mock legislation.

The council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization. For additional information, visit www.cylc.org.


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