Contact: Jenni Brockman Mary Emery, a senior day student at St. Margaret's School, attended the National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC) October 19-24 in Washington, D.C. NYLC, a renowned youth leadership development program, invites high school students annually to our nation’s capital to interact with today's national leaders. NYLC scholars are chosen based on scholastic merit, community involvement and leadership contributions at school. Given the opportunity to work through many issues facing their hometowns and the nation, young leaders talk through a series of simulations, meet face-to-face with their respective Congress members, staff and other influential personalities. "It's inspiring to rub elbows with top policy makers, law makers, journalists and other Washington types," Emery said. "You learn a lot about those men and women in suits and what they do all day." Rosalind Wiseman, co-founder of The Empower Program, set the tone for the conference. Wiseman discussed the dangers of abusive relationships for both men and women; also, how Empower assists those trapped in abusive relationships. Students questioned the roles of gender in relationships and how to correct an abusive situation. Later in the week, Congressman Kenny Hulshof of Missouri, welcomed the students on the floor of the House of Representatives (an honor usually reserved for members of Congress or their special guests). Students filled the chamber where the State of the Union Address is delivered. Congressman Hulshof spoke about his thirteen years of experience working in the criminal justice system prior to being elected to office in 1996. He urged the students to get involved and to remain involved in public policy, citing "Fewer than 50 percent of American voices are being heard. In fact, people are more likely to watch the Super Bowl than they are to vote. When people decide not to vote they allow other people to speak for them. We all need to remain active in our political system if the system is to function as it was designed." "NYLC inspires exceptional high school students to meet the challenges of leadership head-on, and to gain confidence in making positive changes in their communities and throughout the world," said Michael Lasday, executive director of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council. Emery also had the opportunity to interact with a panel of esteemed journalists at the National Press Club, including Rob Franken of CNN, Sam Fulwood III of Los Angeles Times, Kathy Kiely of The Daily News and Ann McFeatters of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Journalists and students discussed current events and the role of the media in shaping public opinion by reporting these events. "I didn't realize it beforehand but leadership extends well beyond Capitol Hill; journalists play a very important role in society," Emery said. Mary is the daughter of Anne and Wayne Emery, of Warsaw. St. Margaret's School is a girls' boarding school, grades 8-12. Founded on the Episcopal tradition, St. Margaret's is committed to its mission: Educating Young Women for Life. Visit the school's web site at www.sms.org or call 804-443-3357 for more information.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mary Emery Attends Young Leaders Conference in Washington
Mary Emery, of Warsaw, attended the National Young Leaders Conference in Washington D.C., October 19-24.
