Six Sterling College students attended the National Student Leadership Forum in Washington D.C. on Oct. 21-23. Amanda Del Toro, Jordin Greer, Drake Koops, Kaitlynn Little, Estephany Moncada and Jonathan Yelton took part in the three-day annual event that featured university leaders from across the country.

“Attending the National Student Leadership Forum in Washington, DC was an amazing opportunity for our students to learn about leadership from amazing speakers, make relationships with impressive students from other schools across the country, and see just a few of the sites around the District, all while representing Sterling College,” said Terry Ehresman, director of career services and first year programs.

Though the specifics of the Forum shift slightly from year to year, core activities include keynote addresses by political leaders, small group breakout sessions after larger meetings, panel discussions and more. Past speakers have included Vice President Dan Quayle, Vice President Al Gore, former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, former U.S. Senator Barack Obama, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, U.S. Representative John Lewis, U.S. Representative Mike Doyle, former U.S. Senator Paul Trible, Ambassador Tony Hall, Chaplain Berry Black and Admiral Vern Clark.

“This trip was a great opportunity to build friendships, connections, and learn lessons that will last a lifetime. I learned that we do not have to wait until we have jobs or positions of power to become leaders, we can do it right where we are,” said Amanda Del Toro, sophomore.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.