National Honor Society (NHS) members from four area schools came together for the second annual Mount Pleasant NHS Leadership Conference on November 2 at Mount Pleasant High School. A total of 200 students plus advisors representing Mount Pleasant, Mount Vernon, Paul Pewitt, and Cumby were in attendance. The morning was filled with area community leaders speaking on the NHS pillars of character, leadership, scholarship, and service, as well as financial responsibility, civic responsibility, and lifelong learning.

Mount Pleasant High School NHS Advisor, David Clark, welcomed the guests. Mike Lide, Deputy Superintendent for MPISD, encouraged the students to stay on the path of excellence, to avoid distractions, not to compare themselves to others, and to read and study history. Robby Hampton, Speech and Language Pathologist with Kinetic Physical Therapy, spoke to the students about maintaining good character as they go out into the world. Shelly Slaughter, Superintendent for Cumby ISD, challenged the students to continue to be leaders in their communities. Jini Solomon with the Salvation Army encouraged the students to continue community service beyond high school and NHS. Ethan Rester from State Farm Insurance spoke about the importance of financial responsibility. Franklin County Sheriff, Ricky Jones, talked about the value of civic responsibility. And Olga Woodard, Language Interpreter for the Aviation Industry, inspired the members to be lifelong learners.

Conference attendees were treated to lunch catered by the MPHS Culinary Department.

“This is the second year we have hosted the fall leadership conference,” said Clark. “Next year, we hope to grow the conference by adding more schools and incorporating break-out sessions that involve student participation.”

Photos:

1: MPHS NHS Advisor, David Clark, welcomes the guests

2: Mike Lide, MPISD Deputy Superintendent, encourages the NHS members to read and study history

3: MPHS NHS members listen to the speakers