Nearly 1,600 student leaders from across the region gathered in late September and early October for the Area A Student Leadership Conference, a two-day event filled with energy, inspiration, and hands-on leadership learning.
Led by Jessica Banchieri (Area A Coordinator) and Melissa Edsall (CADA President-Elect), with the help of the Area A Board, the conference brought together nearly 600 high school students on September 30 and almost 1,000 middle school students on October 1. Held across two action-packed days, the event empowered young leaders to return to their schools ready to create more connected, inclusive, and spirited communities. A big shout out to SOS Entertainment and Derek Sage for not only keeping the crowd dancing but setting up all the sound and video for the entire conference.
Keynote Spotlight: Tara Soesbe
Both days included an inspiring keynote from Tara Soesbe, a nationally respected educator and speaker with over 20 years of experience in supporting student growth and school culture. Tara challenged students to lead with purpose, connection, and heart, reminding them that leadership isn’t about a title, it’s about action. Through her work with Till360, Tara supports schools in building inclusive, empowering environments where every student feels like they belong. Her message left students energized and ready to lead not just tomorrow, but today.
High School Conference: Kicking Off with Confidence (September 30, 2025)
The Area A High School Student Leadership Conference featured a dynamic mix of workshops, collaboration, and practical leadership training. Students explored topics ranging from publicity and rallies to gratitude and integrity, all while building connections with peers from across the region.
Workshop Highlights included:
“Throwdown” with Isaac Lopez and Ben Cummings in a large group setting playing whole crowd assembly games
“Let’s Be Real” with Kim Karr – Tackling peer pressure, inclusion, and authentic friendships.
“Get in the Zone” with Kristin Patten – Building safe and spirited student cheer sections.
“Walk the Talk” with Cameron Chitwood – Leading with integrity through the “Say-Do Ratio.”
“Fundraisers that are Fun!” with Bridgit Moore – Creative ways to raise money while keeping it engaging.
“Which Philosopher Leader Are You?” with Paul Chylinski (CADA Print Media Coordinator) – Discovering leadership styles through the lens of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Confucius.
“The Power of Publicity” with Leah Darby – Marketing and media tips for successful events.
“Unicorn Bridge” with Donna McNeal & Mary Hazdovac – Creating connections between high school and middle school leaders.
“The Greatest” with Donovan Rudish (CASL Board Member) – Defining greatness through reflection and history.
“Meet the Pros” with Lesley Gower and her leadership students – Real-world leadership lessons from Hiram Johnson High School.
“Rallies” with Angela Dizon – Tools to design inclusive, high-energy rallies.
“Brainstorming” with Karlee Garcia – Strategies for inclusive and productive meetings.
“Growing in Gratitude” with Natalie Navarro (CASL Board Member) – Shaping culture through thankfulness.
By day’s end, students carried home notebooks filled with ideas and, more importantly, a renewed sense of purpose.
Middle School Conference: Leadership Starts Here (October 1, 2025)
The following day, nearly 1,000 middle school student leaders filled the venue with curiosity and excitement. The program blended hands-on activities, creative sessions, and powerful reflections tailored for younger leaders ready to take their first steps in leadership.
Workshop Highlights included:
“Activities for All” with Angie Guerra and Erin Tobias (CADA Treasurer) in a large group setting playing “Minute to Win It” style games for the entire student body.
“Minute to Win It Showdown” with Justin Rodriguez & Chloe Zapien – Fast-paced games for instant engagement.
“Find Your Inner Activities Unicorn” with Mary & Donna – Inspiring students to make events fun and meaningful.
“Lunchtime Activities with a Twist” with Muskaan Thindal & Krishi Raman – Fresh ideas for getting peers involved during lunch.
“Fundraisers that are Fun!” with Bridgit Moore – A repeat favorite with middle school-friendly strategies.
“Rally Ideas and Planning” with Kimberli Heck – Demonstrating how middle school rallies can unite campuses.
“My Life” with Nate Whitaker – The importance of communication and listening in leadership.
“Growing in Gratitude” with Natalie Navarro (CASL Board Member) – Practicing gratitude to transform attitudes and relationships.
“In Their Shoes” with Aseel El-Fiky (CASL Board Member) – Building empathy through perspective-taking.
“Let’s Be Real” with Kim Karr – An honest talk on peer pressure and friendships.
“Inclusive by Design” with Ashley Zepeda – Making sure every event is accessible and welcoming.
“Elevate the Energy” with Adrianne Simon Carlson – Designing inclusive Spirit Weeks.
“Balloon Towers” with Maritza Avalos & Elijah Vargas – A teamwork activity with a creative twist.
“Which Philosopher Leader Are You?” with Paul Chylinski (CADA Print Media Coordinator) – Discovering personal leadership strengths.
“The Greatest” with Donovan Rudish (CASL Board Member) – Defining personal greatness at any age.
“Meet the Pros” with Lesley Gower – High school leaders mentoring middle schoolers.
“Brainstorming” with Karlee Garcia – Helping every voice be heard in meetings.
By the end of the day, middle school students left feeling inspired and ready to bring new energy to their schools. One student summed it up best:
“I didn’t know leadership could be this fun—and now I want to do more!”
Lasting Impact
From the wisdom of Tara Soesbe’s keynote to the creative strategies learned in dozens of workshops, the Area A Student Leadership Conference gave nearly 1,600 students the tools, confidence, and inspiration to return to their campuses ready to make an impact.
These students didn’t just attend a conference, they stepped into their roles as leaders of today, not just tomorrow.