More than 200 student leaders from 12 area middle schools gathered at North Royalton Middle School on January 29 for the Middle Level Leadership Conference featuring motivational speaker Dee Hankins.
The conference, themed "Resilience: The Ability to Bounce Back," featured Hankins sharing his powerful journey through 18 years in foster care and his daughter's battle with brain cancer. His dynamic storytelling approach resonated with students from schools across Northeast Ohio, including Memorial Junior High, Nordonia Middle School, Coventry Middle School, Brunswick Middle School, Strongsville Middle School, Berea Midpark Middle School, Mayfield Middle School, Rocky River Middle School, Harmon Middle School, Independence Middle School, Bay Village Middle School, and Brecksville-Broadview Hts. Middle School.
"Hosting this conference allows our students to connect with peers who share their passion for leadership while learning valuable lessons about resilience," said NRMS Principal Erin Calabrese. "Dee Hankins' message about turning challenges into life lessons truly inspired our young leaders."
The day-long event included networking opportunities, school tours, and interactive sessions focused on building resilience and leadership skills. Student Council member Sammy Mack welcomed attendees, while Alex Ponting introduced the keynote speaker. The conference concluded with closing remarks from Vivian Smith and Principal Calabrese.
Student Council Advisors Samantha Brown, Sarah Franko, Beth O’Donnell, and Erin Stanowick as well as Honor Society Advisor Cathy Drescher helped coordinate the event. “I am grateful for this team of teachers. They set high expectations for our student leaders, and provide unique opportunities for them to live up to those expectations,” said Calabrese.
