Middle School Student Accepted to National Youth Leadership Forum
Ava Babington, an eighth-grade student, was accepted into the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) – National Security, Diplomacy, Intelligence and Defense Program. The six-day program is hosted at University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, during which students have a unique opportunity to talk directly with national security experts, learn about the latest intelligence strategies, and experience public service in action. Guest speakers include defense service veterans and top officials from the CIA, NSA, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and more. Students also visit some government agencies such as the U.S. Department of State, the Pentagon, FBI Headquarters and the U.S. Naval Academy.
Ava envisions herself working in national security to serve and protect our country. Her goal is to attend West Point Academy, serve and specialize in military intelligence, and then work with Interpol or the FBI. This program will act as a dynamic experience, giving Ava trade-specific knowledge and connections.
“I applied to attend this program because I think I have found my passion, which is working in the law enforcement and leadership field, and that’s how I would like to spend my future,” said Ava. “The program gives me an opportunity to experience firsthand what it’s like to work in the fields of diplomacy, intelligence and defense. I am the most interested and excited to gain career knowledge, and listen to top-level speakers in the national security field, which will help me move forward by teaching me what the career is really like and if I truly do have a connection to it. If I learn that I do, then I will take the next steps toward achieving my goals.”
“I was compelled to nominate Ava for this program based on her character, work ethic and career aspirations,” said Dr. Rachel Adams, the Assistant Dean of the Middle School. “She is a dynamic youth leader who has shined in many different leadership roles in the Middle School, including the Leadership and Service Learning Class. We are very proud of Ava, and looking forward to hearing about her experiences at the NYLF program.”
Congratulations on taking another step toward your dream Ava!
