This fall over 250 outstanding middle school students from across the United States and Canada will take part in an extraordinary leadership  conference in Washington, D.C. Themed The Legacy of American Leadership, the Junior National Young Leaders Conference introduces young people to the rich tradition of leadership throughout American history, while helping them develop their own leadership skills. One of those planning on attending the conference is Hudson Middle School's Wyatt Spangler, the son of Cori Birtles of Hudson. He'll be the first Hudson student ever to attend this conference.  Wyatt is involved in many activities including Baseball, Soccer, Floor Hockey, Cross Country, and Bowling in a league at Hudson Lanes on Fridays. He has attended Kimball YMCA Golf Camp the last 4 summers.  Wyatt is always on the Honor Roll at school, was on the Quiz Bowl team at school the last 2 years, was on the Science Olympiad team last year, was chosen for and attended Drama Camp this past summer.  Wyatt was also nominated by his 5th grade teacher Mrs. Cathy Reilly to the Great Lakes Honor Society.  He, along with fellow students, was able to go out onto the field prior to a Detroit Tigers game this summer and be honored.

During the six-day Junior National Young Leaders Conference program, scholars take part in educational activities and presentations; as well they may meet with elected officials and key Congressional staff members on Capitol Hill. Students also visit historical sites, such as Harpers Ferry, the National Museum of American History and Washington, D.C.’s monuments and memorials. In addition to examining notable U.S. leaders and historic figures, students 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 Civil Rights Movement. Upon completion of the conference, students gain a greater sense of understanding of the role of individuals in American democracy, as well as the responsibilities of being a leader. "Attending this program will enable me to develop my leadership skills," Spangler said. "The conference brings exceptional middle school students from around the country to an interactive program," he continued. I have enclosed a sample of my itinerary for your review. As you can see, this is a powerful experience, enabling me to interact with many prominent men and women most of us only read about and see on television." It's a great opportunity for the youngster -- but the problem is funds. It's going to cost a lot of money for Wyatt to attend the conference, and he's been busy raising funds to make the trip.

"We have  sent letters to the local businesses asking for sponsorship to help with the tuition which is around $2000 with airfare," his mother said. "We have collected bottles and cans and taken them back, we have a Pampered Chef book order going right now, Wyatt made and painted, with the help of Dennis and Vicki Gerig, wood flags and has sold them to help raise the tuition.  We are also having a benefit taco dinner at the Hudson American Legion on October 6, 2006 starting at 5:00 p.m."

If anyone has any questions or would like more information they can contact Wyatt's mother, Cori Birtles at 517-673-9824. 

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