JAG-K Student Journalist Reports from LDC

The following is a report by JAG-K student journalist Elizabeth Hernandez-Hulett from Manhattan High School of the recent Leadership Development Conference at Shawnee Heights High School in Topeka.

Students were left feeling inspired and motivated after the recent JAG-K Leadership Development Conference (LDC). The event brought together aspiring leaders to explore the transformative power of leadership and personal growth. Keynote speakers Matthew Hoover, a media relations expert, and Brewel Currie, CEO of Street Prophets LLC (pictured), shared their personal stories, offering valuable insights into what it takes to lead and inspire others.

The Heart of Leadership: Insights from Matthew Hoover

Mr. Hoover emphasized the importance of storytelling and making a difference in the lives of young individuals.

“Being able to tell the stories of what all kids do and what leadership really means inspires me,” He stated, Hoover’s dedication to uplifting youth is evident through his extensive career working alongside head coaches and diverse teams across the United States. He reflected on how these experiences shaped his understanding of teamwork and collaboration.

“Working with a lot of different individuals really helped me home in on how to work well with others and be a good teammate,” He reflected on how these experiences shaped his understanding of teamwork and collaboration.

“People told me I couldn’t do something but taking that and knowing that I had to learn how to speak and push to be the best I could be helped influence me,” Hoover’s journey has not been without challenges. He shared how overcoming doubt, and adversity fueled his drive to success.

 This resilience serves as a powerful lesson for young leaders facing their own obstacles.

A Vision for Change: Brewel Currie’s Inspirational Message

Mr. Currie’s speech address resonated deeply with the audience as he recounted his personal struggles and triumphs.

“My heart is to change other people’s lives, just as I saw my life change,” Currie explained, highlighting his journey through trauma and the importance of supporting one another.

“My perspective is that sometimes I felt left out… now I want to make sure that everyone is loved and poured into,” Currie’s experiences have shaped his leadership perspective, emphasizing the need to ensure that everyone feels valued and included. In his speech, Currie aimed to inspire attendees by reinforcing their potential.

“We have to be intentional about what we do, I hope the audience takes away that they’re all amazing and have a dream and vision inside of them,” he stated. He encouraged the students to embrace their capabilities, noting, His message was clear: with belief and dedication, anyone can achieve their dreams.

Encouragement for Young Leaders

Both speakers offered essential advice for young leaders in the JAG-K program. Mr. Hoover emphasized the importance of perseverance and teamwork, and Currie advised attendees to keep bettering themselves.

“Students should keep pouring positive things into themselves. You can’t give what you don’t have,” Currie said. He explained that self-growth is crucial, and this notion of self-care and positivity serves as a guiding principle for future leaders, ensuring they are equipped to uplift others.

Conclusion

The JAG-K Leadership Development Conference proved to be a pivotal event for aspiring leaders, filled with inspiring stories and actionable insights. Both Mr. Hoover and Mr. Currie exemplified the transformative power of leadership, encouraging attendees to embrace their unique journeys and strive for greatness. As these young leaders continue on their paths, the lessons learned from the conference will undoubtedly influence their futures and the lives of those they inspire.

About JAG-K

Kansas’ 114 JAG-K programs serve approximately 6,200 students in 48 school districts across the state. JAG-K Career Specialists help students graduate and learn career, leadership, and life skills by executing a nationally-accredited, evidence-based model. Participants must meet criteria to be selected for the program and have potential to overcome various barriers to post-secondary success. Last year, JAG-K had 805 high school graduates.

The 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization is a state affiliate of the national JAG program network which operates in 36 different states and territories. It is primarily funded through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant to the State of Kansas administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). In addition to school districts and DCF, JAG-K partners with the Kansas Department of Education. Other JAG-K funding sources include ADM, AT&T, EagleU, Goldstein Charitable Trust, the JB and Anne Hodgdon Foundation, Honeywell, John Deere, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Gas Service, the Kansas Insurance Department, the Office of the Kansas State Bank Commissioner, United Way of Kaw Valley, United Way of the Plains, U.S. Bank and Walmart.

To learn more about JAG-K, visit  www.jagkansas.org, or ‘Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas’ on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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