Evergreen Park Fifth Grader Earns Trip to Leadership Forum in Washington D.C.

Tadhg Scanlon, a 5th Grader at Northwest Elementary School in Evergreen Park, will travel to Washington D. C. and Gettysburg over his Spring Break to participate in a People to People World Leadership Forum. Scanlon, who was nominated by a teacher at Northwest Elementary, along with fellow students from around the world, will take part in six days of leadership training where he will:

· Discuss world events with an exclusive panel of current or former members of Congress and staff on Capitol Hill.

· Visit the new U.S. Institute of Peace and step inside the Global Peacebuilding Center and then take part in an international conflict resolution program.

· Enjoy a private, pre-opening breakfast at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and explore the country’s most important treasures.

· Visit the site of the Battle of Gettysburg and gain firsthand insights into the American Civil War.

· Examine the leadership styles of prominent historical figures such as George Washington and Martin Luther King Jr. and then explore the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial.

· Give back through a service project and earn 10 service-learning hours.

Scanlon is intrigued by all the activities but is especially interested in the Global Peacemaking Center. “I am really interested in learning how people solve problems internationally and hope to bring the ideas back to my community,” Scanlon stated.

The People to People World Leadership Forum offers students a unique blend of specialized educational, leadership and cultural exposure through a variety of programs. While in Washington D.C. and Gettysburg, Scanlon will have the opportunity to create lifelong memories and form lasting friendships with other Leadership Ambassadors from around the world.

“I am very thankful to my teachers, Mrs. Price, Mrs. Baldwin and Mrs. Ewert for recommending me for this program. I’ve had great teachers and a great experience at Northwest, “stated Scanlon.