Students attend leadership conferences in Washington, D.C.

Three local students each recently took part in a different youth conference held in Washington, D.C.

James Grammer, a student at Ocean Day School in Jackson, participated in the Junior National Young Leaders Confer-ence, a leadership development program for middle school students whose theme this year was "The Legacy of American Leadership."

According to a press release, students were led through the evolution of the United States, from the days of the original 13 colonies through the signing of the Declaration of Independence, from the Civil War through the civil rights movement, and from the Boston Tea Party through to the present.

Grammer attended a congressional reception on Capitol Hill, where students met with members from the U.S. House of Representatives.

Kimberly Morte, a student at Howell High School, was one of approximately 350 scholars from around the country chosen as a participant in the National Young Leaders Conference, a leadership development program for high school students who have demonstrated leadership potential and scholastic merit.

This year’s NYLC theme was "The Leaders of Tomorrow Meeting the Leaders of Today." While exploring the three branches of government, the news media and the international community, Morte had the opportunity to interact with elected officials, political appointees and newsmakers.

Bryan Verdi, a student at Jackson Memorial High School, was selected to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Law. He joined more than 350 high school juniors and seniors from across the United States. Based on actual events, the program curriculum allows its participants to learn from the examples set by attorneys of law and court officials from municipal court to the Supreme Court.