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Approximately 120 students and 20 school advisors from nine area high schools who are interested in learning more about leadership skills will attend the 16th annual High School Leadership Day Conference on Tuesday, March 20, at SUNY Cortland.

Sponsored by the Field Experience and School Partnerships Office (FESP), the event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Corey Union.

The conference is designed for students in grades 9 through 12, school counselors, club advisors and coaches. Attendees will participate in a variety of interactive workshops, meet students and advisors from other schools and be inspired by leaders from different career and educational backgrounds.

The theme for this year’s conference is “You Can Lead!” A variety of activity-based workshops will challenge students to explore leadership examples found in popular movies, the emotional and legal consequences of cyberbullying, the components of face-to-face communication, and the traits that constitute an effective leader and teamwork in action. There will be a double-session workshop or “emotional spa” for high school advisors to allow them to network, learn helpful suggestions and discuss ways to de-stress.

Presenters include Pam Strausser, president of Cosmos Hill Associates and senior human resource consultant at Cornell University’s Department of Organizational Development; 13 Leadership Education and Development (LEAD!) students from Cortland’s junior and senior high schools and Homer High School; and one former LEAD! member who currently attends SUNY Brockport. 

Participating SUNY Cortland staff members include Mary Kate Boland, leadership and community development at Campus Activities and Corey Union; Ralph Carrasquillo, Residence Life and Housing; Tracey Messinger, Migrant Education Outreach Program; Calvin Ruthven, Career Services; and Catherine Smith, Health Promotion/Student Development. Retired career services associate director Louis Larson will return as the master of ceremonies.

SUNY Cortland student presenters include Samantha Califano, intern, Health Promotion/Student Development, and Jamie Piperato, president, Student Government Association. Piperato will present the keynote address “The Leader Inside Us All.” 

For more information, contact FESP at (607) 753-2824 or email School Partnerships Coordinator Karen Seibert.