Mount Assisi Academy sophomore attends leadership conference

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Mount Assisi Academy sophomore Alexis Topel of Darien on left alongside another NYLC participant alongside the Potomac River. | Contributed photo

Updated: September 23, 2011 3:38PM

Current Mount Assisi Academy sophomore Alexis Topel of Darien participated in the National Young Leaders Conference this past summer in Washington D.C.

NYLC is a week-long program for high–achieving high school sophomores, juniors and seniors designed to educate, inspire and motivate students. While in Washington D.C., Topel and other participants met with presidential cabinet secretaries, members of Congress, lobbyists, journalists and academics.

This hands-on governmental experience gave all a greater understanding of their roles in democracy and the responsibilities of leadership.

“The NYLC program was one of the best experiences of my life; the curriculum helped me improve on leadership and to me, leadership is the number one skill needed in life to make a change in the world,” Topel said.

Topel has already demonstrated leadership skills at Mount Assisi Academy in Lemont through her participation on the dance team, Christian Life Community, student ambassadors, the Echo newspaper and the Assisian yearbook.

Linda Frieh, MAA faculty member, nominated Topel for the conference. Frieh saw Topel’s “go getter” attitude while a student in her freshman honors algebra class.

All faculty and staff are proud of Alexis’ efforts at the National Youth Leadership Conference.