More than 420 students from Loudoun County Public Schools took part in the latest WILD Conference, marking its highest attendance to date. The event, which stands for We’re Intentional about Leadership Development, featured 96 student presenters who led a variety of sessions focused on topics such as leadership, creativity, wellness, school culture, identity, advocacy and innovative projects.
The conference included three rounds of breakout sessions that were designed and facilitated by students. These sessions allowed participants to explore subjects important to them and engage with peers across the division.
In addition to these breakout discussions, the event hosted student-led Idea Exchange sessions during lunch shifts. These exchanges mixed students from different schools for collaborative conversations aimed at sharing ideas and experiences that could inspire future initiatives.
Dr. Julia Garcia, author of “The Five Habits of Hope,” delivered the keynote address. Her talk focused on hope, resilience and purpose. During her speech she also engaged directly with a student on stage. According to organizers, this moment highlighted the conference’s commitment to centering student voices.
Organizers noted that this year’s record-breaking participation shows strong enthusiasm among LCPS students for programs that prioritize their perspectives and leadership opportunities.
