Story ran July 11, 2003

Local Teen Polishes Leadership Skills In Nation's Capital National Young Leaders Conference Prepares Leaders of Tomorrow WASHINGTON, D.C. - Miss Jessica Kohke of Sierra Madre, attended the National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC) from June 23 through July 3, 2003 in Washington, D.C. This unique leadership development program invites high school students - based on scholastic merit, community involvement, and leadership contributions -to interact with today's national leaders. NYLC scholars work through many issues facing our nation today through a series of simulations and meet face-to-face with members of the U .S. Congress or their staff as well as other influential personalities.  "By participating in the National Young Leaders Conference, students like Jessica Kohke will become better equipped to address the challenges facing communities around the world," said Michael Lasday, executive director of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC), the organization that sponsors NYLC. "Rarely does someone so young come to our nation's capital to interact with today' s elected officials, presidential appointees and nationally recognized opinion makers. This program offers young leaders Washington, D.C. as a classroom." U .S. Representative Ed Case of Hawaii welcomed the students to the floor of the U .S. House of Representatives, an honor usually reserved for members of Congress and their special guests. The students filled the chamber where the State of the Union Address takes place and where, this week, funding for a prescription drug benefit continued under debate. Case told the students, "It's heartening to realize that you wouldn't be here if you didn't believe in public service. Just be sure to remember that there are many ways to give back to your communities, be it as a teacher, doctor or as part of the PTA " He concluded, "This country has its imperfections, which is why I hope you all make a positive contribution in your neighborhood." Because leadership goes beyond what happens on Capitol Hill, Kohke had the opportunity to interact with a panel of renowned journalists, including Pam Hess (United Press International), Jim Angle (Fox News), Jennifer Ludden (National Public Radio), Bill Salmmon (The Washington Times) and John Diamond (USA Today). Students had the chance to ask questions regarding national and international current events, journalistic ethics and news prioritization, as well as advice and perspectives on how to start a career in journalism.