STATEHOUSE (Dec. 7, 2012) — For the sixteenth year, high school students from Hamilton County got an up-close and personal view of state government during the Luke Kenley Leadership Conference held at the Statehouse today.

State Sen. Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville) annually invites high school junior and senior leaders hand-picked by their principals from Senate District 20 to his Indianapolis convention, where they’re given the opportunity to meet with state government officials. This year, students from eight Hamilton County schools interacted with Gov.-Elect Mike Pence, Secretary of State Connie Lawson and State Sens. Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis), Doug Eckerty (R-Yorktown) and Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis).  

“This annual event gives young Hoosiers in our area special access to current state officials, who teach them about scholarship, fellowship and leadership through stories of their own experiences,” Kenley said. “My hope is this conference will inspire our students to continue excelling in school and become future leaders in their communities.”

In total, 22 students attended and were honored with certificates of achievement for completing the leadership conference:

•    Carmel High School: Seniors Chris Johnson and Race Johnson; Juniors Jessica Chiang and George Gemelas
•    Fishers High School: Seniors Erin Lattimer and Dustin Meeks
•    Guerin Catholic High School: Seniors Austin Arceneaux and Luke Labus
•    Hamilton Heights High School: Senior Kelly Moorhous; Junior Leah Knapp
•    Hamilton Southeastern High School: Seniors Austin Davidson and Kennedy Robinson; Junior Delaney Burgess
•    Noblesville High School: Seniors Kelsey Sigman and Sydney Toschlog; Junior Luis Sorto
•    Sheridan High School: Senior Macy Mullin; Juniors Matthew Delph and Boone Rose
•    Westfield High School: Seniors Hollyn Culley and Tolulope Odimayomi; Junior Nathan Fauntleroy

These students also participated in a breakout session at the conference, when they discussed what they believe the most important issues in Indiana are. Job and workforce training, small business incentives, education and mental health issues all made their list.