The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) held its Student Leadership Conference on Monday, September 30, as over 700 students from around the state descended upon the Peoria Civic Center to attend.

The conference featured keynote speaker Harvey Alston, a nationally renowned motivational speaker, who opened and closed the program. Attendees also attended three sessions during the day, which focused on sportsmanship, leadership and communication. The interactive sessions were led by the members of the IHSA Student Advisory Committee, as well as by students from member high schools.

The afternoon also included sessions for the adult chaperones in attendance. The 2013 Leadership Conference was the third conducted by the IHSA. The first was held at Central Catholic High School in Bloomington in 2009 and the Peoria Civic Center hosted the second conference in 2011.

Some brief interviews with attendees and moderators are posted below. A full photo gallery of the day can be viewed on the IHSA Facebook Page.

Keynote speaker Harvey Alston opens the conference by taking the attendees on the rollercoaster of life...

Niles West student & IHSA SAC member Valerie Fung talks about the progression of the day...


Morton student Noel Ibarra recaps his day and experience...


Belvidere High School student Giavonna Kaspar talks about what she learned...


Champaign Centennial student &conference moderator Christian Panumpabi talks about communication...


Niles West student & IHSA SAC member Valerie Fung talks about some of the ideas that were shared by her groups...


Champaign Centennial student Austin Maltbia talks about his experience serving on the IHSA Student Advisory Committee...