MIAA Student Ambassadors Attend NFHS National Student Leadership Summit in Indianapolis

For MIAA Student Advisory Committee members were among 211 student ambassadors who attended the recent 2025 National Student Leadership Summit in Indianapolis.

Alaina Driscoll (North Reading HS), Rebecca Kriegsman (Ashland HS), Peter Kumar (Medfield HS) and Robbie Moyes (Brockton HS) represented the MIAA at the event from July 15-17 at The Alexander hotel. The ninth annual National Student Leadership Summit was the 16th national conference for high school students sponsored by the NFHS since the inaugural conference in 2001. This year's Summit featured student representatives from 32 states as well as Canada and Honduras.

The summit focused on contemporary and relevant issues, allowing students to hone their leadership skills and understand the privilege and responsibility of their influence in schools, communities and state associations. Each day featured keynote speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Using a “lead the leader” concept, student and adult ambassadors developed the skills to mentor peers and serve their state associations more effectively. Topics covered included developing and maintaining healthy relationships with teammates, coaches, officials, and other leaders. Two leading topics at this year’s summit were mental health and inclusion.

The five general session speakers were Khatdija Meghjani, Anne Fennell, Omari Pearson, Jason Michaels and Jonathan Heider.

Meghjani, a storyteller from the Atlanta-based Dear World project, and Fennell, president of the California Music Educators Association, spoke during the Opening General Session on Tuesday, July 15.

On Tuesday evening, students traveled to Plainfield High School for a Unified Sports Experience with Indiana Special Olympics athletes. They participated in joint competitions and share athletic experiences through interactive activities.

Pearson, president and founder of the education-based life skills company Passion to Purpose LLC, headlined the Second General Session with “Money Moves: Leading with Financial Confidence” on Wednesday, July 16. Michaels, an internationally acclaimed magician, speaker and best-selling author, followed with his “#DoTheImpossible” presentation during General Session Three.

On Thursday, July 17, Heider — a dynamic speaker, accessibility advocate and former Paralympic athlete — wrapped up the conference with remarks during the Closing General Session.

Additional content speaker sessions included: “Heart and Mind Protection,” by Meghjani; “Leading to Belonging,” by Leslie Barnes and Dr. Cricket Lane; “Personal Social Media Branding and Responsibility,” from Pearson; and “Relationship Building and Maintenance,” by Deb Hult. 

Dr. Lane is the senior associate athletic director for student-athlete development at the University of North Carolina, and Barnes holds the same title at Duke University. Hult is co-founder of Core Trainings and a nationally recognized expert in relational and motivational leadership.

Student and adult ambassadors were selected by participating state associations earlier this year.

The NFHS started the NSLS in 2015 after previously hosting the National Student Leadership Conference seven times (2001-03, 2007-10). As the national leadership organization for high school sports and performing arts, member associations believed the NFHS should continue its role in developing and nurturing the leadership skills of high school students.