Congratulations goes out to one of our Ahkwesahsne students, Tyler Sunday, age 14, grade 9 at Massena Central.  He was invited to attend a National Youth Leaders State Conference in Albany, NY.  During this conference, the students got to experience four days of learning and development in many areas that would help them to grow within themselves.  Some of these leadership traits were; Communication, Conflict Resolution, Decision Making, Goal Setting, Group Dynamics, Leadership Techniques, Project Planning, Self Awareness and Appreciation for Diversity.

The students were divided into groups of about 20 students each.  Each session lasted about two hours and the groups rotated to the various sessions.  Each session was so valuable and Tyler explained how each group was allowed to write into their journals.  Their note taking assisted them in their final presentations that were given to the other groups.  Each student received feedback from the audience, which resulted in the students being able to improve on their presentations.  There was always room for improvement and the participation of all really helped each individual.

Tyler said, “at the beginning I didn’t know anyone but by the end of the conference I had made many friends and stayed in touch with them.  Overall, it was fun and we did a lot of hands on activities.”

He met so many students and Tyler could see that they were born leaders.  Most of the students came from the State of NY and Long Island area.  When he was asked what the high light of his trip was, he replied by talking about how everyone accepted one another for who they were and respected each other’s ideas.  Everyone worked together in a good way.  The faculty advisors guided the groups but next year, the students will lead the groups.

Tyler has already been invited to the Congressional Youth Leadership Council in the summer of 2010.  The students who are asked to attend, possess academic achievement and leadership ability.  Tyler is an excellent candidate for this opportunity as he displays a positive attitude and high achievement in all his courses.

It is so nice to watch a student grow and for someone who is such a good student and takes his education seriously. Anyone can see that Tyler has set goals for himself and will easily carry them through.  His values have been put in place with the help of his supportive family.  His parents are Tyler and Shannon Sunday with a sister Sabrina who is in grade 6.  The family bond is so strong and visible, and plays a big part of student’s success.

Tyler’s teachers have also played a big role in providing much preparation to where he stands today.  They have given him the tools to work and have helped him in so many ways.  They saw Tyler as possessing many good ideas and helped to get him to speak up more to share with others.

His other interests involve golfing and art aside from school.

His parents and relatives are so proud of him and his accomplishments.  His parents want to send a huge Thank you to the Ahkwesahsne Area Management and to the Ahkwesahsne Mohawk Board of Education for their assistance in providing Tyler the opportunity to get to this valuable conference, NYLSC.  Also, thank you to all the people who helped him out by buying squares for the football pool.

Congratulations Tyler for all you have been selected  to be involved in and continue your success.