High School Students Off to D.C. Leadership Conference

Over 80 student leaders from six Santa Barbara Area High Schools were nominated by their schools to participate in the two day Global Leadership Connection Conference, co-sponsored with Westmont College. Each student, after submitting an application including a written essay, received an individual and group interview by business leaders and Westmont College admissions. Sixteen scholarships were awarded.

Santa Ynez Valley High School Senior, Parker Johnson, and Cabrillo High School Senior, Isabel Li, received the Santa Barbara Male and Female Youth Leader of the Year, the Jamie Harder $1,000 Scholarship in recognition of their outstanding leadership qualities and academic achievement. Dos Pueblos High School Senior, Jacob Bartholomew, and San Marcos High School Senior, Caleigh Hernandez, received the Leaders in Excellence, the Patrick Family $500 Scholarship. All four students received an all expense paid trip to the GLC Youth Empowerment Summit in Washington, D.C., April 1-4, 2011, with students from across the country.

Twelve student leaders received the $100 Ambassador Scholarship:

– Cabrillo High School: Nicholaus Hines, Andriana Siefe, Kelcie Jo Peeyna

– Dos Pueblos High School: Erin Hollingshead, Christopher Sarricchil

– Laguna Blanca High School: Maaya Hensman

– San Marcos High School: Lino Trujillo

– Santa Barbara High School: Jake Hirsch, Jose “Pepe” Gil, Jr.

– Santa Ynez High School: Madison Shean, Nicholas Robert Kennedy, Casey Evan Ellis

In our complex and ever changing world, many challenges must be met. In order to confront and tackle these challenges we need strong leaders. Solutions to the energy crisis, economic stability, consumer pressures, environmental questions, medical challenges, world conflict, the balance of power and technological demands are in the future. Who are the people who will spearhead advances in these areas? They are the young people in our community today.

To stimulate talented young people to develop and meet tomorrow’s demands, we must give them the recognition and support they deserve from their family, peers and community.

The GLC Program honors outstanding high school seniors who maintain a high scholastic average and have demonstrated leadership ability in their school, community and spiritual organizations. All participants received a Global Leadership Connection Certificate. These compassionate students are the greatest natural resource our nation has and they will continue to make a positive difference in our community and world.

Santa Barbara Area Leadership Team: Kim Busch, Chair; Andy Busch, Alexandra Harder, Ralph Iannelli, Lee Mikles, Maria Fazio, Stacy and Ron Pulice, Marie Sexton, Lindsay McTavish, Wendy Moakler, Michelle Hughes, TK Erickson, Mary Jackson

GLC Executive Director, Carole Harder, 805-452-5594,