In keeping with the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s motto of “Our students, our teams … our future,” The AIA and its Student Leadership Advisory Committee will host its first-ever Student Leadership Summit. This event will feature guest speakers and classroom sessions designed for student-athletes to become leaders at their own schools.

Taking place at Xavier College Prep in Phoenix on April 22, 2019, SLAC is encouraging each member school in the state to send one male and one female student-athlete. SLAC is made up of student-athletes from AIA member schools, and this summit is the group’s chance to create a network and positively influence other student-athletes to become leaders in their own right.

With an opening session guest speaker to be announced, the summit will conclude with 2008 U.S. Olympic swimming gold medal winner, and Marana Mountain View alumna, Lacey (Nymeyer) John speaking about her experiences through the years in athletics and how it translated into success. John will also lead one of the sessions during the day on the understanding what it takes to become a team leader.

Other sessions will include the members of SLAC sharing their insights on how to develop a student leadership team at individual schools, a presentation on the impact of social media on student-athletes by the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), and administrators of Unified sports showing how leadership in Unified programs benefits everyone.

A Twitter account has been established for members of SLAC to share information with students around the state, as well as a way to contact members of the committee directly. The account @pickingupSLAC will feature the latest on student leadership initiatives. School teams, student groups and individuals should follow the page for updates.

While every member school is invited to send two students for leadership training and involvement, each school with a Unified program is allowed to send an additional one male and one female who serve with those programs. Pre-registration is required and will be available through the AIA and AZPreps365 websites in the coming weeks. Walk-ups will not be accepted at the event. Lunch will be provided.

For any questions or information regarding the Student Leadership Summit or the Student Leadership Advisory Committee, you may contact AIA Assistant Executive Director Joe Paddock at jpaddock@aiaonline.org or 602-385-3811.