Jessica Giacinto Jessica Giacinto of Garden City recently returned from the National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC) in Washington, D.C. which she attended from February 22 to 27. NYLC is a unique leadership development program for high school students who have demonstrated leadership potential and scholastic merit. Giacinto was one of approximately 400 outstanding scholars from around the country at the conference.

The theme of the NYLC is “The Leaders of Tomorrow Meeting the Leaders of Today.” Throughout the six days, Giacinto interacted with a variety of personnel who operate with the three branches of government, the news media and the international community.

“The National Young Leaders Conference prepares students like Jessica Giacinto to serve our country well, whether that means as elected officials in our nation’s capitol, as active members within communities round the world or as intelligent, creative and responsible members of the work force,” said Mike Lasday, executive director of 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.”

Complementing a schedule of special meetings and briefings, Giacinto participated in a number of leadership skill-building activities and simulations. In one role-play activity entitled “If I Were President,” students act as the President and cabinet members responding to an international crisis. Students also participate in “Testing The Constitution,” in which the scholars assume the roles of U.S. Representatives, and debate, amend and vote on proposed mock legislation.

Highlights of the program included welcoming remarks by a current or former member of Congress made from the floor of the House of Representatives - a treat that is seldom afforded to other groups. Students have also had opportunities to interact with prominent members of the Washington Press Corps at the National Press Club, in addition to meeting with senators and representatives or appointed staff members to discuss important issues facing the nation. Carlos Mazarese, Giacinto's Italian teacher, nominated Jessica for acceptance into the conference.