Hundreds of student leaders from across the state of Nevada came together April 16 to April 18 for a high energy NASC conference focused on building teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. Through different workshops, guest speakers, and team activities, ASG leaders had the opportunity to connect, share, and return with ideas ready to lead with purpose.

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.

Aikus Chadha ‘27 found the experience especially meaningful. “I learned that a positive mindset can change the outcome of a situation,” he 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. 

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 Brayden Hartsell ‘28, one major lesson he plans to bring back to Bishop Gorman’s ASG is the importance of charisma. “Getting to know a lot of people can be a great way to help the community bond and at the conference I was essentially forced to get to know hundreds of other student council members throughout the state,” he said. “At first, it seems strange, but I ended up creating great bonds and I think that can be applied to my everyday life at Bishop Gorman and keeping my class together.”

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.”