BriAnn Joyner of West End, a student at West Pine Middle School, will join 200 middle school students from throughout the United States at the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC) from March 13 to March 18 in Washington, D.C.

Themed “The Legacy of American Leadership,” the conference introduces young people to the rich tradition of leadership throughout American history, while helping them develop their own leadership skills. Joyner will participate in educational activities and presentations led by individuals in high-level positions as well as young people who exercise leadership skills within their communities. Students will also visit historic national landmarks, including Colonial Williamsburg, from which our country took shape.

“By participating in the Junior National Young Leaders Conference, students like BriAnn Joyner will learn early that young people are not ony welcome in Washington, D.C., but they actually keep this city and our country running,” said Mike Lasday, executive director of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, the organization that sponsors JrNYLC. “One of the goals of JrNYLC is to encourage students to build their own leadership skills through active involvement within their communities.”

In addition to examining notable U.S. leaders and historic figures, Joyner will study the impact of leadership throughout critical periods of American history including the Civil War and Reconstruction, World War II, the Great Depression and the Civils Rights Movement. Upon completion of JrNYLC, students will take home greater sense of understanding of the role of individuals in American democracy, as well as the responsibilities of being a leader. CYLC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization. Founded in 1985, the Council is committed to fostering and inspiring young people to achieve their full leadership potential.