Daviess County High School senior Kaylee Vitato and Owensboro High School junior Kaysia Harrington have been accepted to the Young Leaders Academy June 19-22 at the University of Louisville. With only 24 students selected this year, the residential leadership conference is offered to “outstanding high school students to help hone their leadership skills and further their understanding of American history,” according to the McConnell Center website.
Natalie Smith, Civic Education Coordinator and director of the Young Leaders Academy at the McConnell Center said that of the 50-100 that apply annually, these two were selected from a competitive pool based on resumes, letters of recommendation and essays on leadership.
Harrington said that the program is not as mainstream as Governor’s Scholars Programs in our area, but a parent of a friend told her about the prestigious program and after learning more about it, she decided to apply.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Revisiting American Constitutionalism,” which interests Harrington greatly.
“I am looking forward to being in an atmosphere with education, and different perspectives on political topics are valued,” Harrington said. “Many of the people who I will participate with will be the next generations political trailblazers, and that’s something I anticipate viewing,” Harrington said.
Vitato said that being accepted into the program is a huge honor and she looks forward to hearing other students’ perspectives and outlooks.
“I love to meet new people and I saw this as a great opportunity to broaden my horizons as a high school student growing up in the twenty-first century,” Vitato said. “Not very often am I, as a high school student, given the opportunity to hear and discuss the United States Constitution with professionals in the field and students who share my interests.”
The topics of the academy include the origin of written constitutions, Federalist-Anti-Federalist debates, disagreements about the proper role of government in modern America, the role of the federal courts and political institutions in modern America and what changes and amendments students might advocate to change out foundational law.
Harrington and Vitato will stay at Louisville and participate in the seminars, discussions, lectures and team-building activities. Both will also receive a scholarship for the academy that includes free lodging, meals and materials.
Harrington said that her interest in studying political science and law and the focus on constitutionalism will be an interesting opportunity to be on the other side of current constitutional issues like gun control.
Because of her interest in history, Vitato would eventually like to have a career in the legal field and is considering becoming a constitutional or human rights lawyer. She plans to study history and minor in political science.
“This will be a tremendous educational experience, but it is also a terrific opportunity for those who might be interested in being considered for McConnell Scholarships to the University of Louisville,” said Gary Gregg, director of the McConnell Center.
