CCCHS YLinK Chapter Hosts a Successful State Youth Leaders in Kansas Conference

By:  Kate Larson, CCCHS YLinK Reporter

On November 4, the Clay Center YLinK Chapter hosted the state-wide YLinK Conference at the Midwest Dream Car Collection. A record 200 students and 30 adults attended, making this YLinK conference the biggest ever held.

From our own Clay Center chapter, we had nine students, Billie Beaver, Alessia Carrales, Caydence Jensen, Kate Larson, Braylee and Brynlee Langvardt, Mariela Lopez, Lillia Matheney, and Haven Turner, and our two adults, Lori Martin and Matt Weller.

The theme for the day was “The Mechanics of You,” helping us to use our own strengths to make a difference in our communities. Students rotated through stations during the day, listening to different speakers and organizations. From Kristen O’Shea, the youngest woman elected to the Kansas Senate, we learned about how to implement our personal skills (discovered by taking the Clifton Strengths Finder) into our daily life. From The Jana’s Campaign, a domestic-violence prevention organization, we learned what a safe relationship looks like so that we can be the healthiest version of ourselves, as well as know how to help friends and family caught in toxic situations. Lastly, Ericka Lysell gave Bandana Squad Training, educating us on how to support and get help to someone who is going through a mental health crisis. 

In addition to gaining valuable knowledge throughout the day, we also had a great time at the Leap trampoline park, which was right next to the Midwest Dream Car Collection. We also left the conference not only with new skills and inspiration, but with full bellies, too! The menu for the day was Happy Hippie smoothies for breakfast, Riley’s Farmhouse sandwiches, homemade chips and cookies for lunch, and Clay Center’s signature Tasty Pastry donuts for an afternoon snack. So the Clay Center chapter showcased the good things about our YLinK chapter, from skills to food!

Our very own YLinK sponsor, Lori Martin, was very happy with how the day turned out. “We are so grateful for all of the wonderful volunteers from our community that pitched in to make this a great day of learning for our kids!” she said. As the Clay Center YLinK Chapter, we are looking forward to using what we got out of our state conference to make a positive impact on our community!