Six Galway Central School District students in leadership positions in their grade levels joined approximately 170 other students from 26 school districts for the Annual Student Leadership Conference.
Galway Junior/Senior High School Social Studies Teacher and Student Senate Advisor Mr. Chris Kirvin accompanied the following students to the conference:
- Thomas Villano
- Hannah French
- Rowan Smith
- Ruth Reichard
- Kaylee Bagdan
- Riley Flint
The Student Leadership Conference was planned and implemented from start to finish by students. Many of the decisions were based on student input following the previous year’s conference. The planning committee chose a theme for the conference and selected a keynote speaker.
This year’s theme was “Life is Terrific” (LiT) featuring Johan Khalilian, a national speaker and author. Mr. Khalilian has been a guest on a number of television and radio shows including The Tyra Banks Show, Fox News in the Morning, WLS Radio Chicago, and the Today Show.
“Life is terrific, but you have to produce it, just like music,” Khalilian told the audience of students in grades 6-12. “And it matters.”
Mr. Khalilian used examples from his life growing up in Humboldt Park, Chicago, an area known for its gang violence and crime.
“There are people who will help you, but there are also people who will trip you up, or “friends” who suggest you try something that takes you away from your goals,” said Khalilian. “They’re not the ones who are there to help you up when you fall.”
Special Guest Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner addressed the students and encouraged them to follow their dreams and to take advantage of the opportunities available in their schools and communities.
Students at the Leadership Conference interacted with their peers from other schools. The table seating was purposely designed to bring students from other districts together and break away from the comfort of friends and familiarity. They participated in an ice breaker that included a bingo type of scramble and team building activities.
The annual Student Leadership Conference was coordinated through WSWHE BOCES and held at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark.