Kearns St. Ann student attends leadership conference

Friday, Sep. 02, 2016

KEARNS — Saint Ann student Ishmael Molina-Zepeda attended The Junior National Young Leaders Conference July 10-16 in Washington, D.C.

Last school year, Ishmael was nominated for this conference by the school counselor, Mrs. Kay Bush. The criteria for the nomination was demonstration of scholastic merit, academic achievement, citizenship and leadership at the highest levels. The nomination as a Junior National Young Leader qualified Ishmael to attend the conference. He and his family traveled to Washington D.C., where he joined more than 350 other Junior National Young Leaders from across the country. They participated in one week of activities that included visits to memorials, museums, places of historical significance and leadership learning activities. 

Ishmael found the visit to Harpers Ferry in West Virginia meaningful as he learned more about the history of this location. A visit to the U.S. Capitol Building, sitting on the floor of the House of Representatives for a speech from a congressman, a sleepover at the Maryland Science Center, re-enactments of historical moments and leadership focus groups were all highlights for Ishmael. 

“This experience was amazing – meeting new people, seeing places I have never been and learning about being a leader!” said Ishmael, who was recognized by the Kearns-Saint Ann community for receiving the nomination at the final school Mass and Awards presentation in June. 

Ishmael’s parents said they were very proud of him “and think it is great to see how his hard work pays off. He will remember this experience throughout his life and it will open doors in his future. It will be great to mention on college applications.”

Kearns-St. Ann Principal Rox Anne Close also praised the 8th-grader.

“Ishmael is an outstanding student and leader at Kearns-Saint Ann School,” she said. “He models our Christian Virtues program, and I am very happy that Ishmael was able to participate in the Junior National Young Leaders Conference.”

Kearns -Saint Ann School promotes an environment of Catholic values, diversity, opportunity and strong academic foundation to prepare leaders for the future. The entire school community is very proud of Ishmael.

Courtesy of Kearns-St. Ann School