FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: LeadershipCares
10181 Nightingale Street
Gaithersburg, MD 20882
Contact: Ron Yudd (301) 540-5791
Lula Davis (202)-224-7595
www.leadershipcares.org            

November 13th, 2008 Hyattsville MD-Student leaders from Northwestern High School participated in the seventh annual MentorCares™ Conference at the University of Maryland Inn and Conference Center in College Park Maryland on Thursday October 9th 2009. This annual conference kicks off the school year for students that are active as mentors and mentees in the MentorCares™ leadership development program sponsored by LeadershipCares™.

Ms. Randi Ledwell, the MentorCares Coordinator at Northwestern High School, arranged the event for the students. Forty-five enthusiastic 9th through 12th grade students and twenty six adult mentors (caring adult volunteers) attended sessions covering segments on “real life” leadership skills for everyday success at school, in the workplace and in the community. Participants learned to apply caring leadership skills by participating in role plays and table team exercises.

The opening speaker was Ms. Janice Clements a trainer and motivational speaker who has been a mentor in the MentorCares program for the past six years. She kicked off the conference by talking to the students about the value of loving oneself and it's importance as a leadership quality. She also got everyone to sing a perfect version of the Barney Song--"I love you--you love me"!

The inspiring luncheon keynote was delivered by Mr. James Townsend a hospitality industry executive and the founder of LeadershipCares Delaware. He shared stories about how he grew up and how important it was to set goals in order to accomplish what you want to do. He shared stories about starting the LeadershipCares Chapter in Delaware and about what his group is doing to help develop the next generation of young leaders.

During the day long conference students did exercises and activities entitled “How to Build a Caring Leader" and “What Do I Love About Myself”. Students participated in some lively discussions about the different types of leadership skills and what they considered to be most important.

Members of the Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship participated and have volunteered as mentors for the school year. The group, dedicated to community service, also generously provided school supplies and gifts for the students.

The teams of young people performed role-plays and skits demonstrating their knowledge of leadership skills and techniques. This activity was facilitated by Mr. Derk Mattocks, a long time professional speaker and international business consultant. The skits, performed at the end of the day, were the highlight of the conference. Everyone participated and had lots of fun.

The goal of the MentorCares™ Northwestern High School partnership is to provide training to fortify today’s youth with marketable skills to take into the workplace and to provide a training ground to nurture self-confidence, personal responsibility and a passion for service to others.

MentorCares™ Student testimonials about the day included:

Adult Mentor's testimonials included: