COLORADO SPRINGS - The Colorado High School Activities Association hosted its Fall Student Leadership Summit Friday and Saturday at Sand Creek High School.

The two-day event is an opportunity for high school student leaders to participate in a series of dynamic and interactive workshops that challenge their thinking, sharpen their leadership skills and help them develop new strategies to bring back to their school and community.

"There is a wealth of knowledge to gain from the schools in our state, and when we embrace that learning, it becomes truly powerful," Alyssa Nicholson, Sand Creek High School Assistant Principal and conference co-host, said. "Working with CHSAA to bring this conference to Sand Creek provided us the opportunity to collaborate with other schools, learn from their success, and exchange valuable ideas and practices. We departed from this conference inspired by the commitment to be ALL IN for all students and staff in each school!"

Throughout the two days, CHSAA State Representatives led workshop sessions on topics such as leading with purpose, inclusive youth leadership, understanding communication for effective leadership, teamwork leadership lessons, senses of leadership and more.

Ben Butler – a teacher, football coach and performing arts director at Manual High School – was the keynote speaker yesterday, while Amy Sanchez-Martinez – the principal at Sand Creek High School – was the keynote speaker today. They both spoke about the importance of servant leadership and the importance of learning new skills.

"When you’re able to host something like this in your building it becomes so much more powerful for you as a school and a learner," Nicholson said. "Not only were we able to share what makes us so proud of our school but we were able to make connections and collaborate with leaders in other schools. There is nothing more impactful than getting a bunch of passionate people together in a room, asking them about what makes them great and then asking them to share it with others."  

CHSAA corporate partners Jostens, Make-A-Wish Colorado and Work2BeWell were all in attendance, hosting workshop sessions and networking with student leaders.