The Leadership for Tomorrow conference, held for youth in the region, took place Saturday, Aug. 10.

Organizer and Ellis Acres Park Director Wilbert Dean spoke about lifestyle planning to more than 40 youth, parents, mentors and speakers.

Topics discussed included financial budgeting by Locomotive Engineer Jason Murillo; mental health and stress management options by Buckingham County Public Schools Teacher Tiffany Spencer; the Call Me Mister by Longwood University program director Dr. Maurice Carter; financial support for post high school education by Amari Butler at Norfolk State University; leadership and Boy’s State by Nathan Brickhill from Buckingham County High School; vision attainment by Corrections Officer Kevin Edmonds; and successes and challenges by Shonda Jones and MJ Patterson, high school graduates.

Students shared their successes and challenges over the past year with emphasis on gaining from experiences and sharing those with others, Dean said.

The next scheduled Leadership for Tomorrow session is on Jan. 11, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ellis Acres Park.