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Students describe Leaders in Life conference; board encouraged to attend March event
Summary
Student leaders from the Leaders in Life conference told the Kern County Board of Education how the youth‑led program builds leadership skills and creates safe spaces; staff encouraged trustees to save the March 12 conference date and highlighted community partnerships and student‑run subcommittees.
Leaders in Life presenters told the Kern County Board of Education the program is student‑led and aims to develop leadership skills among middle and high‑school students across Kern County.
Deputy Superintendent Russell Sentis introduced Morgan Clayton, a founder of Leaders in Life, who described the program’s 26th annual conference and thanked the board for supporting the youth‑led event. Clayton said the conference draws more than 2,000 attendees and partners with local CTE programs.
Student leaders Alyssa Paredes (chair) and Tanav Devaneni (co‑chair) described how the organization offers subcommittees for speakers, workshops, a resource fair and logistics, all led by students. Paredes said, "When I started Leaders in Life, I was in eighth grade," and described the program as a venue that transformed her confidence and speaking skills. Devaneni said the conference seeks to "find the spark in kids who never had one before," and credited the program with helping students pursue leadership roles and expand opportunities.
Trustees praised the students’ presentations and asked about partnerships and additional training; staff noted collaboration with McFarland High School CTE for screen printing conference shirts and encouraged trustees to attend on March 12. The presentation concluded with trustees thanking the student presenters and expressing support for continued board involvement.
