Back Row: Linkyn Willick, Drew Dawdy, Nolan Fletcher, William Connor, Levin Tritchew, Nora Rosina, Daniel Alegrias, Marshall Carr, Quinn Rungi-Ruston
Middle Row: Kendal Warren, Korede Adesina, Emma Fokkens, Rachel Natale, Charlotte Kormos, Gia Fougere, Kalli Galipeau, Addison Wightman, Paige Henneberger, Rileigh Arts, Sloane Fazekas, John Li
Front Row: Mrs. Sarah Murdoch, Cathy Li, Enza Wybraniak, Faridah Kuku, Mrs. Carrie Jackson
From November 2-4, over 20 student leaders from Greater Fort Erie Secondary School attended the Ontario Student Leadership Conference (OSLC) in Niagara Falls. Over the course of three days, students learned from keynote speakers and workshops, practiced and developed their leadership skills, and strengthened their GFESS spirit.
OSLC is the largest multi-day leadership conference in Canada, bringing together student leaders from all across Ontario. This year’s theme for the 47th OSLC was Leader-Con, which celebrated and recognized the everyday heroes of student leadership. GFESS students took this theme to heart, dressing up with face paint, superhero masks, capes, and accessories to showcase their school spirit.
Each day of the conference featured various activities, including the Ontario Youth Speaker Search, as well as keynote speakers, workshops, and breakout sessions. This year, some highlights were keynote speakers Cara Filler, Michael “Pinball” Clemons, and Heather Moyse, who all provided valuable guidance and inspired growth in students.
Students were moved by the speeches and gained valuable insights. Grade 9 student Cathy Li was especially touched by Cara Filler’s speech, saying “it touched [her] heart and made [her] cry,” adding that she “did not expect to love the speakers so much.” One of Cathy’s takeaways from OSLC is that “there are many key factors in being a leader, other than having good charisma and being extroverted.”
Leadership means something different to every single student, and each student benefits differently from the lessons learned at OSLC. GFESS Student Council Advisor and teacher, Mrs. Sarah Murdoch, states that she has “seen students transform over the course of three days … listening to a multitude of perspectives allows them to reflect on what leadership looks like and allows them the opportunity to construct their own philosophy and principles.” Each student goes into OSLC willing to learn and grow with an open mind, and leaves three days later inspired, with a new perspective on leadership, and full of new ideas.
The OSLC experience is educational and inspiring, and bonds the students too, which sets the tone for the rest of the school year. Students were able to explore Clifton Hill in their free time, riding the Niagara SkyWheel, facing their fears, and having fun together. They also attended a semi-formal dance, where Grade 11 student Addison Wightman recounts how “council bonded a lot this year, especially at the dance … [GFESS Student Leaders] all really stuck close, where in the past couple of years … all kind of went [their] separate ways… this year [GFESS Student Leaders] all stayed at the front together as a group.” The impact OSLC makes on students’ connections ripples outwards to the rest of the school, even once the conference is over.
Overall, OSLC provided GFESS students with an unforgettable opportunity to learn, connect, and grow as leaders. The lessons, memories, and friendships formed over the three days will continue to shape the energy and spirit they bring back to the school community. As students return to GFESS with renewed confidence and shared purpose, the impact of OSLC will continue to be felt in the halls, classrooms, and events throughout the year—helping to foster a stronger, more united school culture built on leadership, empathy, and school pride.
By: Rachel Natale, Emma Fokkens, John Li