GALLIPOLIS - What does it take to be a leader?

Samantha Lambert, 12, Gallipolis, had the chance to find out this summer when she attended the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC) at the University of Baltimore in Maryland.

The JrNYLC gives nominated sixth and seventh graders the opportunity to learn leadership skills through trips to important historic sites, like Harpers Ferry, the site of famed abolitionist John Brown's 1859 raid and seizure of a United States Armory and Arsenal, and the study of past leaders.

According to Samantha, the conference was a good learning experience.

“They tried to teach us how to be better leaders,” she said.

In addition to studying the past, attendees learned seven traits of leadership: teamwork, character, goal setting, problem-solving, communication, and respect.

The conference wasn't all work though.

“I got to lay on a bed of nails,” Samantha said when she spoke of visiting the Maryland Science Center. “Visiting the science museum was my favorite.”

Shelly Lambert has already seen a big change in her daughter. “I think (the conference) really helped (Samantha) mature. She's more confident,” Shelly said.

Which is exactly the point of attending the conference according to Samantha's sixth grade teacher and the person who nominated her, Mrs. Minda Walker.

“The whole idea is to get out and be independent for awhile,” Walker said. “Junior high is when peer pressure really kicks in.”

Walker believes through independence and leadership, students are able to make positive life choices and avoid the pitfalls of peer pressure.

Samantha will enter the seventh grade at Southwestern Elementary when classes for the 2006-07 school year open Tuesday, Aug. 29.