Student Leader Selected for Exclusive National Conference

sophomore and burgeoning leader Claudia Moskal will be among a select group of high school students from across the United States taking part in a unique leadership development opportunity this summer in the nation's capital.

Moskal has been invited to attend the National Youth Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. where over nine days this summer she'll be exposed to a variety of professionals from within the three branches of government, the news media and the international community.

"NYLC prepares students to serve our country well, whether that means as elected officials in our nation's capital, as active members within communities around the world or as intelligent, creative and responsible members of the work force," said Marguerite Regan, Dean of Academic Affairs for the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, the organization that sponsors the conference. "Through a series of simulations, we place these young leaders in the proverbial driver's seat on a variety of issues facing our country today. Their determination, as shown within the conference, is a good indicator of the types of leaders we will see in the future."

Moskal, who tutors at her former Polish school in Passaic, teaches Sunday School at her church and is the president of the Fair Lawn High School Ski Club, has long displayed leadership qualities.

While in middle school, she spearheaded the successful "Hats Off For Veterans," day at , which, for the opportunity to wear a hat to school for a day, students and faculty donated one dollar to a fund for disabled and homeless veterans.

Later that year, Moskal won the "Point of Light" award for her citizenship qualities.

She said she's inspired by proactive citizens who fight for their beliefs.

"I have always looked up to those who want to take charge and stand up for what they strongly feel for," Moskal wrote in an email.

In addition to being nominated for the NYLC this summer, Moskal was also selected to take part in the exclusive Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Program where she'll represent Fair Lawn High School in Philadelphia this spring.