RUMFORD — Mountain Valley High School sophomore Adelle Oswald attended the Maine Youth Leadership (MYL) program as an ambassador in mid-May. The program is a four-day leadership conference at the University of Southern Maine’s campus in Gorham.

Oswald didn’t know what to expect from the conference, only what she had heard from past participant, Katie Collette.

She said, “I assumed I’d meet some new people and learn some great leadership skills, which I did. I had heard from a friend that went the year before that it would be a great time so I was pretty excited.”

The reality was much more than she expected.

Oswald said, “At the conference, as I said before, I met a lot of inspiring people. I made so many new friends who I’ll never forget. There were a lot of guest speakers who either shared their own journey with us or helped us figure out the most successful way to live our own life. I learned how to be a leader and realized that many of the tasks I already preformed fell under the traits of a leader. I shared so many laughs with my new friends and would definitely go back if I could. This experience really opened my eyes to so many opportunities.”

“I learned so many important leadership skills at the conference,” Oswald said. “One of the most important ones however is to be yourself all the time no matter what. If people don’t like that, then they’re missing out. Also, on the other side, you shouldn’t judge people if you don’t even know them. As a leader, performing these actions sets a great example that others will pick up on.”

Oswald is excited to try her new skills at MVHS.

“I’ll bring back all the new skills that I can to MVHS. More specifically, I’d love to present myself as a leader by doing the right thing instead of taking the easy route and jumping on the bandwagon next to everyone else. I will start my own bandwagon that I’d encourage people to join. I’ll make sure to lead by my actions because I know they are just as effective as words can be,” she concluded.

Prior to MYL, Oswald demonstrated leadership skills in team sports such as basketball, softball and soccer. She sang in chorus and frequently performed the National Anthem. Oswald participated in Youth Ministry at Holy Savior Church and recently landed a job at Black Mountain.

MYL programs are provided free. Program expenses are paid through donations to the nonprofit organization.