Brian Jordan, Kayla Koehmstedt, Cole Genetzky, and Benji Miller attended a Washington Leadership Conference June 26 to July 2 in Washington D.C.

While at the conference attendees learned how to become effective leaders by teaching them to know their purpose, value people, take action, and serve others.

“My favorite part of the conference was touring the monuments at night,” said Cole.

The Rugby students were four of 350 students from across the United States who attended this conference. Students don’t get to room with kids from the same state which pushes them outside their comfort zone.

“This conference allowed me to meet new people” stated Brian, whose roommate was a grape farmer.

Students got to be a part of a unique session called the Poverty Dinner. Students were randomly assigned to one of three socio-economic levels that represent proportional global standards-of-living. Thirty students enjoyed a nice four-course meal with royal treatment, 50 students sat in a simple setting and ate a meager meal with plastic utensils and paper cups, and finally the largest group, 120+ students, shared rice and beans with no utensils and only water available.

“This session gave us a better understanding of the world around us. Showed us there is a need to help out other people” says Kayla.

“This conference allowed me to learn new leadership skills while also helping me find my own purpose” says Benji. Washington Leadership Conference was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these four Rugby FFA members.

This trip was made possible by several Rugby business supporters and FFA organizations.