On November 6, North hosted nearly twenty schools from across Illinois to take part in a   Student Link Conference.

        Such Student Link Conferences are part of the Boomerang Project, which seeks to use a series of activities to allow Link Crew Leaders from different schools to connect with Link Leaders from other schools and realize they can provide a powerful and positive experience for their fellow students.

“It’s this idea that we can change schools by giving leadership opportunities and so what we realize is that we need a to have a chance to train leaders and grow their skills and be leaders all year,” said guest speaker Kevin Ozar.

Link Crew is part of the nation-wide Boomerang Project student orientation and transition program. It is a year-long initiative that engages juniors and seniors academically and socially with freshmen.

“The biggest focus [of Link Crew] was to not waste your time,” said Junior Allyson Radway.

        Ozar, a long time teacher that runs a Link Program of his own in Detroit, was brought in to lead the conference. He has conducted as many as 15 similar conferences within the past month.

“I think that we need to reinforce the message that young people are powerful, that youth leadership can change the world one person at a time, and that getting these kids together to see that they’re not alone is very positive for them,” said Ozar.

        Ozark began the conference by grouping students together and playing music from different time periods to inspire motivational messages relating to the value of time and leadership.

“I think everything can be a teaching tool. I like to use music because it’s easier to explain to kids and it gives them a chance to think about something they already know in a different way,” said Ozark, “That way, you can change the way they think easier.”

        After students participated in ever timeless dances like The Twist and Whipping, Ozark said, “Sometimes something comes along that is so simple we all can’t help but join in.  Set time creating the new you rather than dwelling on past failures.”

        Later on in the conference, the students participated in a labeling activity. Students gave each other labels in order to teach the value in characterizing others by such labels.

        “The link crew conference gave me a new look at how I should use my time,” said Junior Sarah Mallari.