A number of delegates from the Sundre High School Leo Club demonstrated their confidence during a recent Global Vision youth leadership conference in Vancouver, their teacher said.
"They represented Sundre and Chinook's Edge (School Division) with confidence, putting together engaging presentations and making many new contacts and connections," said Ryan Beck, who is also the club's facilitator.
Alumni Katie Jackson and Haley Berling ó now studying at the University of Victoria ó also accompanied the group of 10 students who attended the Global Visions Regional Round Table, which was held Jan. 12-14.
Among them were Grade 11 students Olivia Kyler and Danny Kamaleddine.
Although Kyler had expected a larger group of students from Western Canada ó there were about 80 participants aged 16-25, most of who were in university ó she told the Round Up during an interview at the school that the smaller number made getting to know one another much easier.
"We were able to help out more because we connected," she said.
"It was really interesting."
The conference hosted by Global Vision was geared specifically towards generating ideas to promote Parks Canada, in an effort to raise awareness among youth to disconnect from their technology and reconnect with nature, by finding ways to pique their interest in visiting national parks, she said.
Kyler joined the Leo Club last year, and wants to remain involved until graduation.
"I was never really involved in that kind of stuff before. I thought it would be healthier for me to start doing it, and I've been really enjoying it since then."
Helping others who are less fortunate is its own reward, she said.
Her words of advice to any other students who are considering getting involved in leadership activities are to "always keep your mind open" and to avoid getting focused on only one topic.
"If you keep doing a different, broad range of things in leadership club, then it becomes way more enjoyable and then better for everyone else as well," she said, adding that being receptive is also important.
"You have to listen to other people."
Looking further down the line, the student aspires to pursue art school and eventually hopes to settle into a career in a small, rural community similar to Sundre.
Kamaleddine, who is now in his second year with the club, said he was originally motivated to join because of an interest in the programs the group does in the community, and added that he enjoys "knowing that I can help people out."
His words of advice to students on the fence about joining the Leo Club are to "try your best because you're really just working towards helping others and they appreciate every single gesture."
Plus, the chance to take part in events like the Vancouver conference provides many opportunities, he said.
Conjuring up ideas for Parks Canada to promote its plans for the country's 150th in an effort to reach a younger demographic "was amazing, I absolutely loved it."
So much so, in fact, that the Grade 11 student already has his eyes set on taking the necessary steps to attend future Global Vision conferences such as the Arctic Youth Ambassador Caucus as well as the National Youth Ambassador Caucus.
Beck told the Round Up the group of students from Sundre was the largest contingent from any school or university.
"Most of the other students were older. They were mostly university students ó third and fourth year, even grad students. But our Sundre High School students definitely held their own," he said with a note of pride.
"They were confident and engaged in the conversations, and were often the first people to stand up and offer their ideas. So they represented Sundre really strongly at the conference."
