Summary of the November 2008 Conference

Conference photo gallery

The shrill sounds of high school buzzers and whistles fill gyms across the state of Kansas. Young men and women athletes pour their heart and soul into each and every game they play. Their athletic skill and leadership is called upon as seconds tick away with the game clock. Many of these young student athletes recently benefited from the Kansas Youth Leadership Academy’s Leadership on & off the field conference.

Topeka ’s Capitol Plaza Conference Hotel was the site for the Leadership on & off the field conference on November 11, 2008. Students attended training sessions and were inspired by speaker Candace Whitaker, the Women’s Basketball Coach at UMKC. Candace spoke about the importance of making good choices and staying positive even when times get tough. In addition, Richard Dedor, President and CEO of Richard Dedor Communications in Kansas City, encouraged students to live their dreams, and focused on the importance of civic engagement and social responsibility that every student athlete has in his or her community. Both speakers addressed the important role and responsibility these young athletes have been given. The call for leadership within their classroom environment and community, in which they live, is a charge they can step up and fill. The skills and tools for their success are within their grasp.

Student Comments about the Conference

“It taught me to use leadership and power in a positive way”

“I will show the leadership skills learned today in the sports that I play as well as the classroom”

“I will show my classmates and teammates how fun and great it is to be a leader!”

“Because of this conference, I will definitely get more involved in organizations and the community”