Rahway resident, Justice Lopez, joined other outstanding middle school students from across the United States to take part in an extraordinary leadership development experience, the 2016 Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC), an Envision program. The program, which commenced on June 25th in Washington, DC, provides a historical view of leadership and encourages young scholars to develop their own leadership skills and strategies for success in the 21st century.
“I’m nervous, but also excited about the experience. I can’t wait to see the Lincoln Memorial,” the 7th grader said about the upcoming five-day retreat. Lopez, who currently attends Rahway’s 7th and 8th Grade Academy, has already begun demonstrating the qualities of a future leader. The budding scholar was recently inducted into the local chapter of the National Junior Honor Society and was also awarded the A+ Attitude Award from his school. In addition, Lopez has maintained high honors in school for the past several years and has had multiple stories published in the Rahway School district magazine, Ex Animo.
The 12 year old credits his father, Ray Lopez, as his inspiration. “I look up to my dad because he has his own business, is on the Board of Education and saves lives everyday, as a firefighter. I want to be like him, when I grow up.”
JrNYLC prepares students to utilize their improved leadership skills to promote positive change in their schools and communities through social advocacy. Students will work with their peers to create action plans for change to put into practice when they return home.
For more information about the Junior National Young Leaders Conference, visit www.envisionexperience.com/Leadership.
(above) Justice Lopez with his parents Laura and Ray.
