Chenango Valley High School student athletes recently attended two conferences focused on developing the qualities of exemplary athletes and individuals. These events offered our students the chance to learn, share, and grow as leaders both on and off the field.

On February 29, the Section IV Student Athlete Leadership Conference was held at the Binghamton Forum. This year’s theme centered around the importance of character in sports and life, a message delivered by keynote speaker Mark Leinweaver, an MLB agent. Leinweaver discussed topics such as why character matters more than ever, the bravery required in behavior, the need for volunteering, and the significance of anti-bullying leadership.

The conference also included breakout sessions tailored for athletic directors, coaches, and student athletes, covering a range of topics from accountability and injury prevention to celebrating successes positively. A highlight was Chenango Valley High School students Molly Berg and Aisling King, who shared an engaging presentation on Trust and Communication. They explored the effects of trust and communication in school, sports, family, and everyday life, using presentations and trust-building games to foster a deeper understanding of these essential values.

Ninth Annual Athletic Leadership Conference
The leadership education continued into March 1, as another group of student athletes attended the ninth annual Athletic Leadership Conference, hosted by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYS AHPERD), at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown. This year's focus was “Sportsmanship: What Makes a Good Athlete GREAT.”

The conference gathered student athletes, coaches, and athletic directors from across the state to engage in discussions and activities designed to improve the understanding of sportsmanship in competitive environments through collaborative sessions and interactive workshops.