Posted on May 9: Students inspire leadership in youth

The stage is set for the fifth annual CLAY (Creating Leadership Among Youth) conference taking place at McMaster this weekend.

The conference provides a unique opportunity for high school student leaders to acquire and enhance their own leadership skills in a safe and stimulating environment.

More than 100 delegates from across Ontario arrived Thursday afternoon and will stay on campus until Sunday.

Selected McMaster undergraduates will work as skill builders and facilitate small groups discussions on topics such as communication, trust, group dynamics, media and self-awareness. Motivational speakers and group events provide a chance for the delegates to work as one large team and put to use some of the skills they will have honed. Social happenings, such as a coffee house, throughout the course of the conference give delegates the opportunity to express themselves creatively and to cultivate lasting friendships.

Kasey Coholan, this year's CLAY co-ordinator, hopes all participants of CLAY 2003 come away from the conference “realizing the potential they each possess to make a positive impact on their peers, their schools and their communities.”