Briarcliff Students Attend Youth Leadership Conference

High schoolers learn conflict prevention skills at Westchester event

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:34am

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a grid of colorful, stylized figures representing high school students, conveying the collaborative and empowered spirit of the youth leadership conference.A vibrant, pop art-inspired illustration captures the energy and diversity of student leaders at the Westchester Youth Leadership Conference.White Plains Today

Four students from Briarcliff High School recently attended the Westchester Youth Leadership Conference in White Plains, where they gained tools to help prevent peer conflict and promote positive leadership in their school and community.

Why it matters

The conference aimed to empower students to become role models and positive leaders who can influence their peers toward safer, healthier school environments. As students navigate an increasingly complex world, learning conflict resolution and leadership skills is crucial for their personal development and the wellbeing of their communities.

The details

The conference, sponsored by the Westchester Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free Youth, featured workshops and speakers that challenged students to think about the influence they have every day and how to make a positive difference. Briarcliff students Zoe Amsterdam, Gabriella Vignola, Peter Sara, and Alexandra Orr participated in interactive exercises to reflect on being active leaders rather than bystanders.

  • The Westchester Youth Leadership Conference was held on April 12, 2026 in White Plains, New York.
  • Two years ago, one of the conference speakers, Ken Nwadike Jr. of the 'Free Hugs Project', visited Briarcliff Middle and High School.

The players

Westchester Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free Youth

The organization that sponsored the Westchester Youth Leadership Conference in collaboration with the Office of Drug Abuse Prevention & STOP-DWI and Student Assistance Services.

Ken Jenkins

Westchester County Executive who welcomed the students at the start of the conference.

Ken Nwadike Jr.

Founder of the 'Free Hugs Project' who spoke at the conference about the power of empathy and human connection in de-escalating conflict.

Kym Laube

Leader from Human Understanding Growth Services, Inc. who led an interactive workshop challenging students to think about their influence and responsibility as leaders.

Zoe Amsterdam

Briarcliff High School sophomore who served as the host at the conference, introducing the speakers.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Nwadike showed us what radical empathy can look like in action. In a world that often feels divided, Ken has stepped into moments of real tension, including protests and civil unrest, with nothing more than a message of peace and a willingness to connect. His work demonstrates how powerful human connection can be in de-escalating conflict and his message to young leaders was clear: you do not need a megaphone to make an impact. Sometimes leadership begins with the courage to listen.”

— Zoe Amsterdam, Briarcliff High School Sophomore

“The workshop was energizing. Drawing from her own journey to being a national prevention leader, Ms. Laube challenged us to think about the influence we have every day. Her message was simple and powerful: leadership means taking responsibility for the space around you and choosing to make it better.”

— Zoe Amsterdam, Briarcliff High School Sophomore

“As a junior, I feel that I should be stepping up to be a role model for the younger students in my track team, for example. I would like to be an active participant, as opposed to a bystander, and to make a difference, so taking part in these exercises was worthwhile for me.”

— Peter Sara, Briarcliff High School Junior

“Zoe was poised, well-spoken, personable and represented her school with dignity and honor.”

— Patricia McCarthy Tomassi, Head of the Office of Drug Abuse Prevention and STOP-DWI Westchester Coalition for Drug and Alcohol Free Youth

What’s next

The Briarcliff students plan to bring the lessons they learned at the conference back to their school's SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Club and share them with their peers to promote positive leadership and conflict prevention.

The takeaway

The Westchester Youth Leadership Conference empowered students to see themselves as active leaders who can make a difference in their schools and communities, rather than passive bystanders. By learning conflict resolution skills and strategies for promoting wellness and positivity, these young leaders are poised to create meaningful change.