Essex North Shore Hosts 'Becoming A Leader' Student Conference

DANVERS, MA — Middle school students from across eastern Massachusetts traveled to Danvers to hear former Waltham High track standout and University of New Haven All-American Ivy Watts discuss mental health challenges facing teen athletes as part of the Massachusetts Partnership for Youth "Becoming a Leader" Conference at Essex North Shore.

MPY collaborated with the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association on the conference designed to highlight the variety of positive steps that they can take to continue to make

personal growth along their journey of student leadership.

Watts, who founded "Ivy Watts Speaks," shared her personal journey that led her to confront her mental health challenges. She provided the students with practical tools for self-care that will help increase their mental wellness, deepen their self-love, renew their confidence, and build up resiliency.

Students from Arlington, Lincoln, Milton, Haverhill, Belmont, Medford, Newburyport, New Bedford, Hamilton-Wenham, Lowell, Medford, Wilmington, Andover-CREST Collaborative and Salem Academy Charter attended the conference along with their faculty advisors.

Robert Hackenson Jr., a certified hypnotist and magician, inspired students to lead with purpose, build strong relationships, and make a lasting impact. Hackenson’s presentation, titled "Leading Together: Building Community and Driving Change at School," encouraged students to set goals and follow through with them.

Resource Officer Michael Chase, from Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical High School in Danvers, inspired students with his powerful story of survival from the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013 at the finish line near Copley Square.

Officer Chase concluded his speech with a statement to remember: "Leadership isn't just about being strong," he said. "It's about recognizing when you need help and when others do, too."

"We're proud to partner with the MIAA to offer this programming as a way to help build skills and confidence for our young leaders of the future," said MPY Executive Director Margie Daniels. "The purpose of the conference, which is held each year, is to empower our young people to become leaders, focusing on ways for them to increase mental wellness, embrace healthy life choices and build up confidence and resiliency. Thank you to all of our featured speakers who helped make this such an impactful day."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)