Terrence Thornton of Ironton, class of 2010, has been selected to participate in the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC), on Intelligence and National Security this summer at American University.

During the conference, Terrence will attend specialized workshops and classes designed to develop the skills and traits that define a leader.

Professors and college students facilitate the programs and engage the students in career focused, hands-on activities, simulating a career in the student’s area of interest.

Trips and tours also enhance the student’s experience, by tailoring them to their specific conference.

Terrence will also have the opportunity to meet with and learn from recognized leaders.

Past special guest speakers have included: Secretary of Education Rod Paige; U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona; Secretary of Defense Robert Gates; CIA Director Michael Hayden; Secretary of Veterans Affairs James Nicholson; Supreme Court Justices Anthony Kennedy, David Souter and Sandra Day O’Connor; as well as U.S. Senators, U.S. Representatives, Governors, Ambassadors and leaders in the fields of medicine, business, engineering, diplomacy, law, politics, journalism and the arts.

This year, thousands of high school students from across the United States and around the world will find themselves immersed in a learning environment unlike any they have ever experienced.

These young leaders spend time with other high-achieving students who share the same drive to succeed. Then they will return to their schools with increased potential and newly developed abilities that will enable them to make a positive difference in their communities.

“Students develop a sense of independence and responsibility,” said Dr. Paul M. Lisnek, NSLC Leadership Professor and former Assistant Dean of Loyola University Chicago School of Law. “They leave with a true feeling of accomplishment and confidence in their ability to handle the challenges that lie ahead.”

The National Student Leadership Conference is entering its’ 21st summer, continuing with a mission: Identify and recognize outstanding young leaders from around the world, and provide them with a unique learning environment that encourages not only academic achievement, but also diversity, cooperation and social responsibility.

The NSLC was established in 1989 and offers leadership conferences to high school students from around the world.

Areas of emphasis include: Mastering Leadership, Law and Advocacy, Medicine and Health Care, Entrepreneurship and Business, Journalism and Mass Communication, Forensic Science, International Diplomacy, U.S. Policy and Politics, International Business, Intelligence and National Security, Engineering, Sports and Entertainment Management and Inside the Arts.