SGAHS Students Represent Pennsylvania at National Leadership Summit

Spring Grove Area High School students Ava Dietrich and Darryn Gross recently had the honor of representing Pennsylvania at the 2025 NFHS National Student Leadership Summit (NSLS), held in July in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ava and Darryn were chosen after applying and being selected from a pool of sixty applicants statewide, making their opportunity to attend especially meaningful.

The summit gathered more than 200 student leaders from across the nation to tackle contemporary issues facing high school students in athletics and performing arts. Using a “lead the leader” model, participants worked to strengthen their leadership skills, learn how to positively influence their peers, and deepen their understanding of servant-leadership both on and off the field.

Ava and Darryn attended the three-day event with chaperones Jeff Laux (Athletic Director) and Michaela Landis (School Counselor and Coach), alongside sixteen other students representing Pennsylvania. Together, they collaborated with peers nationwide, built lasting connections, and explored strategies they can carry back to their schools and communities.

All travel, lodging, and meal expenses were fully covered by the PIAA.

Both students reflected on the impact of the experience:

• Darryn shared, “Time is money, so be sure to spend it trying to make a difference, even if it’s only for one person.”
   
• Ava added, “I had an amazing experience at the NSLS because we were encouraged to find ways to be resilient, get out of our comfort zone, and be open-minded.”

This was truly an impactful experience for our Rocket student leaders!

Learn more about the NSLS.