Youth convocation topic: Making a difference

On Feb. 27 and 28, the Shore Consortium for Gifted and Talented will hold a Leadership Convocation for seventh- and eighth-grade students from local elementary and middle schools.

The topic for the convocation is "Making a Difference in Your Community and the World by Discovering Unique Personal Leadership Style."

The convocation will encourage students to deepen their commitment to service, philanthropy and civic engagement. Students will listen to keynote speeches, participate in workshops given by local community leaders and preview a movie from the Garden State Film Festival titled "Binta y la Gran Idea" (Binta's Big Idea).

The leadership convocation will be held at Church of The Precious Blood, Monmouth Beach, and Monmouth Beach Elementary School both days from 9:15 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Both days will begin with a keynote speech. Amil Husain, global youth coordinator for the United Nations Millennium Campaign, will speak on Millennium Development Goals, the keynote speech, Feb. 27. On Feb. 28, Ginny Bauer, state secretary of commerce, will speak on "Being a Leader, Being Yourself."

Some of the other presenters are: Brooke Tarabour, executive director of Family & Children's Service, Long Branch; Nancy Walzog, president of Tapestry International; Dr. Elizabeth Keshish, superintendent of schools, West Long Branch; Holly Lyttle, president of the executive board of Family & Children's Service; Randy Nathan, youth empowerment coach.

For information, contact Megan Steel, convocation coordinator/fourth-grade teacher, Frank Antonides School,West Long Branch, at (908) 601-0245 or msteel@wlbschools.com.