Lake Land College recently welcomed more than 120 high school students from across the region for its annual High School Leadership Conference, a day focused on building skills students can use both in school and beyond. The event was hosted by the college’s Student Government Association, with support from the Student Activity Board.

Students attended from Neoga, Dieterich, Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow (LIFT), Stewardson-Strasburg, Cowden-Herrick, Effingham, Beecher City and Mattoon high schools, giving the conference a broad mix of perspectives from communities throughout the area.

The day began with a welcome from Vice President of Student Services Heather Nohren, who greeted students and introduced them to the campus. Participants then rotated through leadership-focused sessions covering topics such as building confidence, professional dress, communication skills and career planning.

The conference keynote was delivered by comedy magician Josh McVicar, who blended humor and interactive magic with lessons on leadership and effective communication. His presentation kept students engaged while reinforcing the importance of clear messaging and teamwork.

Students also shared lunch and a question-and-answer session with current Lake Land student leaders, offering a firsthand look at college life and leadership opportunities on campus. The day wrapped up with a campus-wide scavenger hunt and a closing ceremony featuring prize drawings.

Five students received grand prize giveaways of tuition waivers worth three credit hours at Lake Land College. The recipients were Isabella Davis of Beecher City High School, Austyn Shaffer of Cowden-Herrick High School, Brooklynn Redfern of Mattoon High School, Brooklynn Douglas of Neoga High School, and London Carter of Mattoon High School.

For more information, visit www.lakelandcollege.edu.