Two dozen students from Sanford Middle School in grades 5-8 recently had the opportunity to attend the 6th annual Middle School Student Leadership Summit at the University of New England in Biddeford.
The summit allowed students to discuss important issues and develop leadership skills.
Angela Avery, the SMS School Counseling Department Head, and 6th grade teacher Jenn Brown, the Student Leadership Team's Adviser, chaperoned students.
"Our team of student leaders is incredible," Brown said. "They had a fantastic experience this year focusing on what motivates children and how it can influence their schools positively.
Sanford Superintendent Matt Nelson was also part of a panel that met with students during the summit to hear their concerns, discuss important issues students felt were happening in schools and brainstorm ideas on how to improve their school experiences.
"The presence of Mr. Nelson, who listened to them attentively, made them feel valued and validated their concerns," Brown said. "They felt proud of being from Sanford and were eager to create a positive impact. This year, they left with a sense of empowerment."
The students joined peers from schools across southern Maine, including Saco, Thornton Academy Middle School, Kennebunk, Brunswick, Scarborough, Lisbon, and Biddeford.
The summit included breakout sessions about motivation and goals for the future that helped our empower our students who attended.
They participated in full group and breakout sessions on topics like "The Magic of Motivation," explored the UNE campus, and ate in the dining hall.