DIMOCK TWP. - About 760 student delegates from more than two dozen schools converged on Elk Lake on Wednesday for the annual District IX Student Leadership Conference.
This is the 38th consecutive year that student government representatives have gathered for the informational session, which is organized by the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils.
It is the first time Elk Lake Area School District has hosted the event.
Decked out in a coat and tie, Principal Ken Cuomo said he was actually underdressed and then pulled out a John Deere farmer's cap to underscore the rural nature of his district and the conference's theme to "Start a Moovement!"
Motivational speaker Derek Felton flew in from Cincinnati to get the youths pumped about their responsibilities as student leaders. He drew from his own background with ordinary folks as well as famous athletes who had inspired him.
Following an opening assembly, the students had their choice of 19 high school-level and 13 middle school-level workshops.
Subject matter included "Stomping out Bullying," "Stress Is a Mess," and "Perks of Not Being a Wallflower."
Logan Garrison and Emma Vasky of Lackawanna Trail led a session on "Fantastic Fundraising," which left students with a lot of ideas on how to fund school activities.
Elk Lake student council adviser Kristine Smith was recognized as high school student adviser of the year. Joan Rakowski of Dallas was named middle school student council adviser of the year.
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