P.S. 2 Graduate Attends Leadership Conference

Angelos Georgiadis at the memorial to Abraham Lincoln in Washington, D.C.

Angelos Georgiadis attended the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC), for which he was nominated by his teacher, Mahi Eliodromytis, at P.S. 2, Jackson Heights, from July 21 to July 26. The conference session in Herndon, Virginia included trips to Philadelphia, Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore, Maryland and Washington D.C.

"This program taught me new and exciting things and enhanced my leadership skills," Georgiadis, who had been Student Council president at P.S. 2 before graduating from fifth grade last June, said. "The best part was meeting other scholars from all over the U.S. and sharing ideas with them."

JrNYLC offers mature, high-achieving middle school students an opportunity to learn about leadership by studying the leaders of the past and, by focusing on social advocacy, to make a positive impact in their homes and communities. Through an examination of both different historical time periods and characteristics of leadership, students gain a better understanding of what it takes to become an effective leader. All students are provided with written materials designed to foster self-directed experiential learning. Each JrNYLC session is designed to educate, inspire, and motivate students by giving them confidence and leadership skills that will take them through high school and beyond.

The program curriculum was developed under the direction of Dr. Donna Snyder, a former classroom teacher, elementary school principal and university professor. Snyder earned a master's degree in school administration and curriculum development and holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction. With Snyder's guidance, the JrNYLC curriculum offers a unique approach to leadership training.

The fee to attend a JrNYLC session is $1,800 plus transportation expenses, and like most students, Georgiadis sought financial backing to make the trip. "I want to thank the people who helped me participate in this program by sponsoring me," Georgiadis added. "They are my grandma, Eleni Bourdoumis, my grandpa and grandma, Aristidi and Katina Kuklis, my godparents, Theodora and Soultana Theofillaktidis, Nikoletta Konstantinidis from Kentrikon Noufaro, Jeff and Effie Lew from Two Greeks and a Gyro, and my mom and dad. Now I look forward to attending the JrNYLC Alumni in Boston next year!"