Marvin Mills, Marion Junior-Senior High School student, attended the 36th Annual SLS Leadership Conference titled NAVIGATE YOUR FUTURE this past weekend by special invitation. Marvin was the only Junior High student attending this High School-only Leadership Conference. He received this special invitation for two important reasons. First, Dawn Flood, Executive Director of SLS (Waterford, Michigan), recognized Marvin’s leadership potential. And second, as a 7th grader in 2022, Marvin entered a workshop he created in a state-level contest that carried a message to younger students about the importance of having a positive self-image that won the top prize of five hundred dollars for his SLS chapter competing with High School students.
Marvin said he “experienced a lot of awesome firsts this weekend.” The host site, Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, Michigan, was the first resort he has ever visited. Marvin also enjoyed his first three-course meal. He not only attended his first SLS conference but also presented his workshop titled “You Matter, We Matter: A self-image boost: How to flip the switch” in two sessions. Marvin’s sessions drew the highest attendance at the conference and were well-received by peers from all parts of Michigan. Fellow SLS member from Garber High School and musician, Conner Lyman complimented Marvin saying, “Marvin seems to be a caring young man who I know is going to grow to be a great student leader in High School.”
Students who attended this one hundred percent, the student-led conference had a full weekend schedule. Students were able to network with others from numerous Michigan SLS chapters, and strengthen their leadership skills with dynamic speakers through interactive workshops with a focus on health education and safety programs to challenge and inspire. Topics addressed “real teens and the real issues” they face every day: gun violence in schools, self-care, mindfulness, member motivation, being an ally, the good, bad, and ugly of social media, cyberbullying, sexting, sextortion and the law, tips to reduce anxiety and stress, how to stand out for future jobs, interviews, and applications, smart money decisions, and budgeting were session highlights for conference attendees. But SLS always remembers to bring the fun to balance these serious issues.
Students enjoyed entertaining breaks over the course of the St. Patrick’s day weekend like magician Joel Tacey, who wowed students with his comedic magic and juggling performance. A mini acoustic guitar concert during lunch on Saturday was performed by Connor Lyman, Junior, Garber High School who impressed attendees with his first single “Young Inside” released in 2021, and other selections. Day one wrapped up with the formal Advisors dinner and awards ceremony with a duet performance from Conner Lyman joined by his mother, Nicole King, who has performed for many artists like Big & Rich, Brett Young, Justin Moore, Verve Pipe, and many more. Saturday night ended with a luau-themed teen dance with DJ Matt Burbidge from Three Mates Entertainment. Former Miss Oakland County, now reigning Miss Michigan, Melissa Beyrand, addressed students again this year speaking about “Transitioning to Adulthood.” Miss Beyrand is a violinist and University of Michigan Graduate Student in the field of Engineering whose career goal is in the area of plastic surgery and whose passion is to advocate for girls in non-traditional career paths involving math, science, and especially STEAM. Marvin enjoyed meeting, talking to, and sharing lunch with our Miss Michigan on Sunday before her motivational presentation. Marvin shared that “I didn’t plan for nor did I ever expect to meet someone who has actually competed in the Miss America pageant.” He felt both humbled, honored, and a bit awestruck to meet Miss Michigan. The weekend closed with individual student recognition awards and a challenge to return with more students next year.
When asked what Marvin enjoyed the most about this conference weekend he said “I was really nervous to present my workshop in front of strangers, but I’m happy I did it. It was worth it. I made SO MANY new friends.” SLS Executive Director, Dawn Flood shared this sentiment in her speech congratulating all students for their continued hard work and commitment to their prevention efforts in their respective schools. Flood said, “the most trusted friends can come from all ages and all sizes… Marvin has proven that here.”
Marvin returned this weekend with a rejuvenated spirit, great information, more experience with public speaking, some new ideas for his Marion SLS Chapter, and new-found friends. Marvin, along with the other SLS students, relished their time together with like-minded youth and their common interest to make an impact, raise awareness, move forward with prevention campaigns, and carry out their SLS missions: to promote a positive school and community climate that helps youth make good choices to remain safe, healthy, and free from using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Marvin summed up his experience by saying “I loved everything about my first SLS Leadership Conference” and he is already excited to return to present next year in 2024.
For more information about our local Marion SLS Chapter or to support our youth prevention program, please contact SLS Advisor, Stacy Baker at Marion High School at 231-743-2836 sbaker@marion.k12.mi.us. This year, SLS, Inc. included Marion SLS and four other Michigan schools in a state-level grant to receive training and materials free of charge. Our SLS chapter will participate in Peer Resistance Skills (PRS) Team Training after spring break. Student Leadership Services, Inc. (SLS) is a Michigan-based non-profit dedicated to ensuring our youth remain safe, healthy, and alcohol and drug-free. SLS accomplishes this through innovative student-led prevention programs, trainings, and events for students and adults. Since its inception in 1982, SLS has empowered students and adults to create safe, supportive, interactive, and engaging student-led environments so that they can lead change in their communities. SLS relies on the generosity of donors, sponsors, and alumni and is grateful that they continue to support our commitment to student-led prevention. It saves lives. For more information about SLS, Inc. or to make a donation, visit slstoday.org.
Above: Marion SLS member Marvin Mills meets Miss Michigan Melissa Beyrand.
Above: SLS State SAB member Meriam Kebe passes the torch to Marvin, a potential 2023-23 SAB member.