I, Hunter Talone, along with, Kayleigh Lavornia, Olivia Rytelewski, Ashley Fontes, and Steven Velez were sponsored by the local North Arlington Elks Lodge to attend the 28th annual Peer Leadership Conference. The conference was held, as always, at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch. The three day educational and inspirational retreat was filled with dancing, food, and amazing people who definitely made the experience unforgettable.
Josh Smith, Mike Thomson, Ray Lozano, and Scott Backovich were a few of the speakers that helped make an impact on the 200 students who attended the conference. They spoke about how drugs and alcohol can impact your life in a negative way, as well as, how following through with your actions and making a difference in your neighborhood can start a revolution around the world – one step at a time. Maintaining one’s integrity and helping others were constant themes evaluated throughout the duration of the conference. Having such positive influences for those three days was something that will not soon be forgotten.