On Apr. 3rd-5th , ASG took their leadership skills to the next level by attending the State Leadership Conference at Centennial High School, where they joined schools from across NV to engage in workshops, team-building activities, and discussions on effective leadership skills.
One of the major takeaways from the state conference was the role that empathy and collaboration play in effective leadership. The conference emphasized that leading with compassion and ability to work closely with others is not just a wanted trait but a necessary one in student council. This idea was demonstrated into several interactive workshops and group activities designed specifically to help student leaders strengthen their communication, active listening, and teamwork skills. Throughout these, students had the chance to reflect on their leadership styles, and also to identify areas where they could improve by working more closely and openly with their peers.
Ellie Patta ‘26 found the experience especially meaningful. “I learned that a positive mindset can change the outcome of a situation,” she shared. “We aren’t always given the perfect case scenario, so we need to give our best efforts into the end result.” The workshops encouraged student leaders to stay flexible and adapt when necessary.
Another key focus of the conference was the importance of determination and perseverance in leadership. One of the most impactful moments came during a talk by guest speaker Luca Petrucci. He captivated the audience with a personal story that allowed students to hear how he was able to grow into the person he is today. His message centered on not letting others define your capabilities and being able to feel comfortable with who you are as an individual. “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do.” He let students come up to a microphone and speak on something they are proud of themselves for. His words inspired many students and added a deeper layer of purpose to everyone’s mindsets.
Throughout each day, students took part in a variety of breakout sessions and presentations that allowed them to network and collaborate with student leaders from other schools in the state. These moments provided a valuable opportunity for exchanging ideas and comparing leadership strategies. Participants were encouraged to take what they learned and consider how those skills and strategies could be implemented in their own student government roles.
For Victoria Offley ‘26, one major lesson she plans to bring back to Bishop Gorman’s ASG is the importance of delegation. “I learned how important it is to not over-control and to have trust in your council,” she said. “Delegating responsibilities isn’t just about getting things done, instead it’s about empowering others to take ownership and grow as leaders themselves.”
By the end of the conference, Bishop Gorman’s student government walked away not only with new knowledge and practical skills but also with a stronger sense of community and purpose. They formed new friendships with fellow student leaders from across NV and gained fresh perspectives on how to improve their own leadership efforts. The energy and enthusiasm brought back from the event are expected to have a lasting impact on the school’s ASG.
AJ Mazzara ‘27 summed it up well, “State is a great opportunity to bond with other ASG members and to learn new information from other schools to help out on campus.”
