2026 Youth-Led Leadership Summit Recap:

The Youth-Led Leadership Summit was a one-day event for high school students held on September 17, 2026, at Chenango Lake Retreat in Howell. Built around the theme "We Are All in This Together!", the summit gave students a chance to build leadership skills, promote a positive school climate, and connect with peers from other schools. About 60 youth heard from Jake White of VIVE18, who shared his story of staying substance-free, creating positive change, and setting goals. Students from each school then developed action plans for the year ahead, with goals such as advocacy, reducing stigma, staying substance free and reducing isolation. Participants said they were excited to meet peers from other schools and came away knowing they can make a difference, stay substance-free, and be leaders in their schools. Over the next few weeks, students will meet with prevention advisors to begin putting their action plans into practice. We want to thank Livingston Education Service Agency (LESA) for providing transportation and lunch for the students. Thank you to Livingston County Community Alliance (LCCA), Livingston Prevention, Dawn with Student Leadership Services (SLS), Chenango Lake Retreat, and volunteers for making this day happen!