West Potomac High School proudly hosted the Virginia High School League’s (VHSL) Ken Tilley Leadership Conference, welcoming 350 student leaders from 27 schools across Virginia. With the support of over 150 student volunteers from the Leadership program and AVID 12 classes, the event was a resounding success, exemplifying our Core Values: Collaboration, Leadership, Accountability & Work Ethic, and School Culture that celebrates Diversity, Service, & Involvement.

The conference was packed with engaging activities and opportunities for growth. Highlights included:

Opening Ceremony: Inspiring speeches from Principal Jessica Statz, School Board Member Mateo Dunne, Superintendent Dr. Reid, and keynote speaker Duncan Kirkwood set the tone for a weekend of empowerment and connection.

Breakout Sessions: With 37 unique sessions led by students, faculty, and community members, attendees explored diverse topics in leadership, service, and personal development.

Service Project: In collaboration with Be the Good Project, attendees created 1,000 sandwiches and 40 care packages for local families experiencing food insecurity. Students also took the initiative to donate extra meals to local shelters, exemplifying leadership and compassion in action.

Community Engagement: Conference participants joined our Friday senior night football game, celebrated school spirit at Saturday’s pep rally, and enjoyed meals provided by the Annandale Culinary Program, Anita’s, and Northside 10.

Closing Ceremony: Keynote speaker Ashley Bendiksen concluded the event with a powerful discussion on building healthy relationships.

The success of this event was made possible through the dedication of faculty members, including Nicole Borghard, Joe Petrucelli, Dana Hubbard, and Jessica Niebuhr, as well as the unwavering support of Mr. Tico Barclay.

Hosting the VHSL Leadership Conference was not only an honor but a testament to the thriving leadership culture at West Potomac. This event showcased the power of collaboration and the profound impact of student-led initiatives, further cementing our school’s commitment to fostering a legacy of service, inclusivity, and excellence.