Student Leadership Grows

YESTERDAY more than 170 students from throughout the Upper Hunter, Ravenswood School for Girls in Sydney, Cessnock and Singleton came together for a leadership summit at Muswellbrook High School.

Students from throughout the Upper Hunter and some from Sydney during the leadership summit at Muswellbrook High School yesterday.

The summit was organised by 20 local students who returned from the National Student Leadership Summit in Adelaide and wanted to share what they learned with their fellow students.

Kayley Kennedy, a year 11 student from Scone High School who was one of the organisers said the summit was a great success.

“We talked about the importance of having a go and not worrying about what everyone else thinks,” said Ms Kennedy.

“And it was great to see people who didn’t usually speak up, get up and talk and put themselves out there,” she said.

“It was a really good experience and what I have learned is the importance of perseverance in life, time management and working together,” she said.

“I’d really like to thank Where There’s A Will for the experience in Adelaide, Lindy Hunt and all of the teachers for helping us bring the day together,” Kayley Kennedy said.

Emily Bishop from Muswellbrook High School said her favourite part of the summit was a small part towards the end.

“The importance of creating a safe place to share emotions,” said Ms Bishop.

“Creating a space where people feel safe to talk about their emotions and if we made every space like that then everywhere you go would be a safe place,” she said.

“It comes down to respect, if the people who are listening are respectful it is a safe space,” Kayley Kennedy said.

Lindy Hunt, from the Where There’s A Will foundation said the students organised a great day.

“Everybody had a good time and I think they learnt lots of new things that they will hopefully take back to their schools and community,” said Ms Hunt.

“Everyone can be a leader you don’t need a badge or a title to be a leader and it’s important to be the person you really are, to use your strengths nad if there are people in your group who have different strength to share the load,” Lindy Hunt said.