KEARNEY — The Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) is excited to announce the annual Youth Leadership Conference, taking place on Oct. 22, 2024, at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK).
This dynamic event will provide young leaders from across the state an opportunity to develop essential leadership skills through engaging activities, interactive sessions, and a keynote presentation.
Approximately 200 4th-6th-grade students will participate in the event. All ten KPS schools will participate along with 17 other south-central Nebraska schools.
“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity to our young leaders,” said Chance Waggoner, NAESP Region IV President and Principal of Park Elementary. “The Region IV Youth Leadership Conference provides our student leaders with the opportunity to continue building confidence, developing communication skills, encouraging responsibility, and fostering problem-solving abilities and leadership,” said Chance Waggoner, NAESP Region IV President and Principal of Park Elementary.
Program Highlights:
Keynote Speaker and Leadership Program:
Josh Erickson from Team Concepts in Kearney will lead an inspiring leadership program in the morning, followed by a keynote presentation after lunch. Erickson’s sessions will focus on fostering leadership qualities in students through engaging, hands-on activities.
Event Schedule:
- 8:45 – 9:15 a.m.: Registration and Breakfast
Participants will enjoy breakfast with rolls and juice at the indoor track/field house in Cushing Coliseum. - 9:15 – 9:30 a.m.: Welcome and Introductions
Chance Waggoner, NAESP Region IV President, and Dr. Mark Reid, Dean of the College of Education at UNK, will welcome participants and kick off the day’s events. - 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.: Growing Leadership with Team Concepts
Josh Erickson will guide students through a series of active and engaging activities designed to develop leadership skills. - 11:30 – 11:45 a.m.: Break and Organize for Lunch and Tours
- 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.: Lunch and Campus Tours
Students will have the opportunity to dine at “The Graze” in the UNK Student Union, experiencing a college cafeteria setting. Half of the schools will eat at 11:45 a.m., while the other half will enjoy a meal at 12:30 p.m. During their lunch breaks, students will participate in campus tours to get a firsthand look at UNK’s facilities and learn more about college life. - 1:15 – 2:00 p.m.: Leadership Keynote
Josh Erickson will return to the stage for a powerful keynote address on the importance of leadership, held at the indoor track/field house in Cushing Coliseum. - 2:00 p.m.: Dismissal
“This is our second year hosting our youth leaders since bringing the conference back post-COVID. At this conference, students learn about leadership and experience it firsthand through engaging activities and meaningful discussions. Our goal is to inspire students to bring these leadership skills back to their schools and communities, making a lasting impact,” said Waggoner.
