Teen attends leadership conference

Warwick - Warwick Valley Middle School student Kerianne Westphal was among the more than 100 other eighth- and ninth-grade students from across the state to participated in the four-day National Young Leaders State Conference in Tarrytown this past January. The conference helps young scholars take an introspective and highly personalized assessment of their leadership skills and abilities. “The steps each person takes in discovering his or her own leadership strengths can be a very personal process,” said Mike Lasday, executive director of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, the non-profit, nonpartisan educational organization which sponsored the conference. “The National Young Leaders State Conference will help students get at the heart of their innate talents and skills, and will also help them identify how best they can serve within their communities.” Kerianne, an eighth-grade student, was nominated by a Warwick Valley Middle School teacher last year to attend the conference. She plays trumpet and French horn in the eighth-grade band and participates in Jazz Band. She also plays guitar in the Middle School Guitar Club and for the St. Stephen’s Teen Choir. She serves as president and stage crew manager of the Middle School Drama Club. The following local businesses sponsored her attendance at the conference: The Law Offices of James J. Cupero, South Street Wash ‘n Fold, South Street Tire & Auto, Warwick Country Realty, Dawson Motors, Oswald Insurance Agency, Country Chevy and The Warwick Advertiser.