Lake Land College Hosts High School Leadership Conference

More than 120 students from area high schools attend annual event hosted by Student Government Association

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Lake Land College recently hosted its annual High School Leadership Conference, welcoming over 120 students from local high schools. The event, organized by the college's Student Government Association and Student Activity Board, featured leadership sessions, a keynote address by a comedy magician, and a campus-wide scavenger hunt. Five students were awarded tuition waivers worth 3 credit hours each to put toward classes at Lake Land College.

Why it matters

The High School Leadership Conference provides an opportunity for local high school students to develop their leadership skills and learn more about the college experience at Lake Land. The event helps to build connections between the college and the surrounding community, and the tuition waivers offer an incentive for students to consider attending Lake Land after graduation.

The details

The leadership sessions covered topics such as leadership building, dressing for success, communication, and careers. Keynote speaker Josh McVicar, a comedy magician, presented insights on communication and leadership while incorporating magic and misdirection. Students also had the chance to participate in a Q&A with current Lake Land student leaders and a campus-wide scavenger hunt.

  • The High School Leadership Conference took place on February 9, 2026.

The players

Heather Nohren

Vice President of Student Services at Lake Land College.

Josh McVicar

A comedy magician who gave the keynote address at the conference.

Isabella Davis

A student from Beecher City High School who received a tuition waiver.

Austyn Shaffer

A student from Cowden-Herrick High School who received a tuition waiver.

Brooklynn Redfern

A student from Mattoon High School who received a tuition waiver.

Brooklynn Douglas

A student from Neoga High School who received a tuition waiver.

London Carter

A student from Mattoon High School who received a tuition waiver.

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What they’re saying

“The High School Leadership Conference provides an opportunity for local high school students to develop their leadership skills and learn more about the college experience at Lake Land.”

— Heather Nohren, Vice President of Student Services (myradiolink.com)

The takeaway

The High School Leadership Conference at Lake Land College is an important event that helps to build connections between the college and the surrounding community, while also providing high school students with valuable leadership development opportunities and incentives to consider attending Lake Land after graduation.