HOULTON, Maine — Adam Casillas, a Houlton High School sophomore, has been nominated to particiate in the Maine Youth Leadership (MYL) seminar held at the University of Southern Maine. Each year more than 120 high school sophomores from all parts of the state are invited to participate in the four-day “Motivate ME” seminar.
This popular and energetic event is designed to recognize and develop personal leadership skills. The seminar is at no cost to students, parents or schools. Maine Youth Leadership covers all expenses, meals and lodging. Students are only responsible for their transportation to and from the seminar.
“I am honored to be selected to attend the upcoming Maine Youth Leadership Seminar,” Casillas said. “I’m excited about going. I look forward to meeting other students, learning leadership skills and learning how I can be an asset to my community. I appreciate the opportunity to be an ambassador for Houlton High School as well as Houlton.”
“You have the opportunity to learn and interact with over 100 sophomores from all parts of Maine,” explained Laura Beals, a junior who participated in last year’s event. “This seminar is so unique because this seminar focuses on leadership and non-judgment. You’re separated in small groups and you do every activity with your group to build leadership all four days. We all felt like a family by the end of the seminar.”
Added Beals, “It was so hard to say goodbye because we were all so close. You take part in discussions to help raise awareness of problems that teens deal with in their schools and discuss how to help others overcome their problems. At MYL no one judges you for you, but at school you are constantly judged. I learned to be my own person and let no one have a negative impact on my life. Also to always stay enthusiastic.”
Each fall, notices are sent to all accredited high schools in Maine by email and guidance counselors or principals are asked to nominate a sophomore student for the spring seminar. Each school determines its own selection criteria and process.
