Hillcrest HS Students Attend IHSA Leadership Conference

Hillcrest High School student representatives joined Principal Mrs. Renee Simms at the IHSA Leadership Conference held in Peoria. The conference is directed towards students who are recognized as leaders in their school community and want to improve their leadership skills. The Hillcrest students were nominated by their class sponsors to represent the school.

The morning began with the students having the pleasure of hearing motivational speaker Mr. Harvey Alston address the crowd. Mr. Alston’s powerful, soul-searching presentations inspire audiences to strive only for the best. “It was so interesting listening to him, he wants kids to set high standards and attain them,” said Jaden Luckey, Hillcrest Freshman Class President.

“The cornerstone of the conference is built on sportsmanship. The students learned strategies and participated in activities and workshops garnering information that they can bring back to their school,” stated Ms. Simms. The Hillcrest students attended breakout sessions on qualities and characteristics of a captain, how to build team unity, peer relationships, and maintaining team unity. “The activities and information meetings were inspiring,” stated Luckey.

The students were able to network with over 700 students from the State of Illinois while learning leadership and communication skills. “The Hillcrest students represented our school well. I am proud of their dedication,” said Ms. Simms.