Two local students selected to participate in National Student Leadership Congress

Micyla Baker, front left, and Kelsey Whitfield, front right, recently spent a week at a student leadership program at Washington D.C. Also pictured are ETA Advisors Susan Dryer, back left, and Erin Hill, back right. Photo provided [Click to enlarge]

Students representing each of the 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the Pacific Islands recently attended a student leadership program at Washington D.C., two of which were from the local area.

Micyla Baker, of Gosnell High School, and Kelsey Whitfield, of Delta C-7 High School, were sponsored by the Federal TRiO Educational Talent Search program to attend the National Student Leadership Congress (NSLC) at American University in Washington D.C.

According to Kristi Rose, TRiO Programs spokesperson, TRiO Advisors Susan Dryer and Erin Hill nominated the local students. Rose emphasized the honor of the nomination, saying that only a couple students from each county are nominated for the event.

According to the NSLC, the congress combines elements from model student leadership training activities and from the Council's Policy Seminar. The emphasis of the Congress is on leadership through community service.

The purpose of the congress is to establish a national network of emerging leaders from student populations served by TRiO Programs; to develop service-oriented leaders who are empowered and skilled to serve their communities and their nation; to enable Talent Search, Upward Bound, and Upward Bound Math and Science students to understand national issues affecting their futures; and to promote sensitivity to and appreciation of cultural and racial diversity, according to the NSLC.

While attending the event, the students spent six days being introduced to elements of effective leadership while attending workshops on decision-making and problem-solving, national service, leadership styles, attributes and skills, the political process and coalition building, and multi-culturalism and diversity.

Students also spent time in sessions with policy-makers and educational leaders, meeting with members of Congress, attended a mock Congressional Hearing, and visiting historical and cultural sites.

The NSLC said the goal of the congress is to enhance leadership skills in group decision-making, planning, and goal setting, as well as conflict resolution and negotiating; to gain a greater knowledge of the role of the individual and the role of alliances in shaping national priorities; as well as increase the understanding of the responsibilities of citizenship through service.

According to Rose, the TRiO Program is part of a group of federal programs with a goal of helping students obtain a bachelor's degree through post-secondary education.

Rose said the local TRiO Program, based at Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville, Ark., works with students in 6th through 12th-grade, targeting low income, first-generation college students.