Bell Top Principal Jim McHugh speaking at Columbia’s Student Leadership Conference.

Real-life leaders shared words of wisdom with students at Columbia’s Student Leadership Conference on Monday at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Castleton. Seven different guest speakers gave presentations, including Bell Top Principal Jim McHugh who has been out on medical leave this school year.

Mr. McHugh talked about his personal story, including his career as a teacher, a coach and an administrator, as well as the challenges he has had to overcome.

Mr. Brewer speaking to students about leadership opportunities.

“Leadership is so much more than participating in random events and having something to write about on a college essay,” Mr. McHugh said. “Leadership is what you do or decide not to do on a daily basis.”

The full-day program was organized by Principal John Sawchuk to teach students about leadership and how they can develop those traits.

“This is a great experience for our students to learn from leaders across a variety of professions,” Mr. Sawchuk said.

Leadership Speakers

• “Young People and Rotary” – Terrence Brewer, Former Superintendent of East Greenbush CSD
• “Portrait in Leadership” – Jim McHugh, Bell Top Principal
• “Ronald McDonald House Charities” – Debbie Ross, Ronald McDonald House Director
• “Never Give Up” – Daquetta Jones, YWCA Executive Director
• “Follow Your Dream” – Todd Scaccia, Entrepreneur and founder of Hometown USA Stores
• “Joy From Joseph” – Karen Frost, Founder of Joy From Joseph, Inc.
• “Safety and Rescue” – Phillip Sheehan, Northeast Director of Operations for Safety Compliance Services