The Archdiocesan Youth Retreat Center held a Student Leadership Workshop today addressing one of the most crucial isues confronting our country today - Poverty in America. Sister Donna Jo, our Campus Minister, along with seven student leaders attended this most important conference for high school teens, the leaders of today and tomorrow. According to the US Census Bureau, 35.9 million people live below the poverty line in America, including 12.9 million children. The inspiring morning keynote session was given by our very own Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, Mayor of Elizabeth. He warned our students that true commitment requires a sacrifice of time and energy. The Mayor then challenged our youth to identify a group in the local community that was in need and develop a plan to reach out and take action. Our students' passion for justice was ignited and they returned to meet with BA's Principal, Mr. Ken Jennings, to share their initial thoughts for developing a concrete plan of action. At Benedictine Academy, students learn how to listen and be leaders in fulfilling their social responsibility.
