To those of you who have never been to a football game, you probably don’t know anything about Vince Lombardi. The team who wins the Super Bowl each year receives the Lombardi Trophy, named after him so to say he knows about leadership is an understatement. 

It does not matter if you are leading a family, class, school, business, team or a church, the skills to lead are essentially the same. In Gary Ludwick’s book Divine Leadership, Applying Christian Leadership Principles in the Workplace, Gary states: “As Christian leaders, we have the responsibility to bring hope and encouragement to our teams. In the midst of challenges, uncertainties and setbacks, we can offer a different perspective- one grounded in faith”.

AACS, the American Association of Christian Schools, offers several opportunities for students to get in-depth leadership training including a free week in DC to learn how the leaders we elect, lead our country. With this type of training, the students of today, our children, have the opportunity to prepare to become the leaders of tomorrow. Below is a perspective from a parent’s point of view and those of two West Virginia students who attended this training last month. 

BTW: Did I mention that in competition against students from all other states across the US, the West Virginia team was voted FIRST PLACE during the week’s senate mock debates. Way to Go West Virginia! 

Hi, I’m Carson Copley from Grace Christian school and last week I had the opportunity to attend the Youth Legislative Training Conference in Washington D.C. I was able to approach the conference very differently than most students, as this was not my first time attending the event. I attended the YLTC last year. During the YLTC, you hear from a variety of speakers. You’ll often hear from congressmen, political staffers, activists, or even former judges. Each speaker teaches you about the political process from a different point of view. However, the highlight of the week is the mock senate. Each student that attends is assigned a senator to roleplay as and a committee to be a part of. Throughout the week, we will write legislation, work in committees to improve the bills, debate on the bills in front of everyone, and finally vote on the legislation. Each step of the way, you are able to gain a better understanding of how the process works and why it often appears so slow to all of us on the outside. 

If I could sum up two main takeaways from the week, I would say they are confidence and leadership. 

I have always been someone that was interested in politics and contemplated pursuing a career working in Washington. Unfortunately, I had a habit of dismissing these dreams. I had never known anyone that had a job like that, nor did I think I was someone that could get a job like that. My time at the YLTC changed my mind. We had several speakers that were at one point Christian school students like me. These were individuals that when they were my age had also attended the YLTC and then later achieved successful jobs working in government. Being able to meet and speak with people like that made me realize my dreams could be more than dreams. Those speakers also talked about the Christian community in DC. They spoke about Bible studies on Capitol Hill and wonderful church families that they had become a part of after moving to D.C. It began to sink in that not only pursuing a career in government is attainable for Christian school kids like me, but also that I could lead a healthy Christian life with a good Christian community backing me up while I did it.

My second main takeaway from the week was about leadership. My first year at the YLTC was super awesome, but afterwards I was kicking myself a little bit because I was so scared to speak in front of others that I didn’t really participate in the debate portion of the mock senate like I really wanted to. That’s why when I found out that I was assigned to role play Senate Majority leader John Thune during the mock senate, I was particularly excited. One of my responsibilities was making sure that the Republican side was prepared to argue. During the first meeting of all of the republicans, instead of jumping directly into the strategy and talking points I took a different approach. I told my story of being so anxious of making a mistake that I didn’t make the most of my opportunity. I made sure that everyone knew that if they had questions about how things worked or about arguments that they were wanting to make during the debates that I was always willing to help. Many people on the Republican side took me up on my offer and looked to me for guidance, which is something that had never happened before. Although I’ve had some minor experience in school activities and extracurriculars, I had never really had any experience of formal leadership before. Leadership is like any other skill, you can only get better at it through experience. That is why the YLTC was particularly meaningful for me this year, I got to learn what it means to be a leader. I not only learned the old fashioned way: learn from your mistakes while you try your best, but also by advice and tips from the individuals teaching us like Mrs Nick from Bob Jones Academy.

My week in D.C was one of my favorite times of my life. I met new friends, saw incredible sights, but most importantly learned some really valuable lessons.

My name is Rachel, I just graduated from Grace Christian School in Huntington, West Virginia. This year I attended the Youth Legislative Training Conference (YLTC) in Washington D.C., and I got the opportunity to role play Senator Susan Collins in a mock Senate.

When I first heard about the YLTC, I was excited but I had no idea what it would entail. I learned more than I would have ever thought possible in a week, in more aspects than one. I went in knowing the bare minimum in terms of politics and I felt that I would be so behind, but everyone there wanted to help in so many aspects. I wanted to learn and grow my political knowledge in a biblical way and that is exactly what this trip did. I received so much Biblical encouragement from everyone there. I learned an immense amount about politics as well as debate, leadership, purpose, and a firm foundation in one’s faith. You could see the sincere biblical mentorship in everyone.

One thing that stood out to me more than anything was one of the speakers said that even if there is just a small light in the dark, it is no longer dark. Washington D.C. is viewed as an immensely dark place that is deprived of hope, however, during my brief time there I met many people who have strong Christian values that are striving to make a difference, even if they seem small. They have a genuine care for the American people. As well as that, it was evident of the impact that young people, even just a few years older than me have in D.C.

In the mock senate room, I saw so many kids who are so full of potential, I cannot even begin to imagine the incredible plans that God has in store for them. Being able to see that gave me such an immense hope for the upcoming generation.

All the people involved had a genuine care to help us and nurture us, even just for a week. First of all I cannot even begin to explain the importance of the true unspoken heroes that made this opportunity even possible, the donors. This trip would’ve cost hundreds at minimum had it not been for the people who want to invest in us. As well as that teacher (and Senate President), Mrs. Nick, was constantly helping us and teaching us, she did not bash us for our lack of knowledge, but she encouraged us to grow. The interns had just as much care for our growth as Mrs. Nick, whether it was advice on a bill or the devotional they wrote for us for the morning, they both had a genuine care. The chaperones were the same. Whether it was life advice or advice on a speech they were more than happy to help and talk. They tried their very hardest to make it fun for us. Mr. Coppola and Ms. Olivia worked countless hours to make this trip as impactful as they could. They had everything planned to make sure we had such an unforgettable trip while also making sure we learned as much as they could teach us. I got to see so many things I never thought I would get to.

I got to meet Senator Capito, who was genuinely one of the sweetest and caring people I have had the pleasure to meet. Despite having the position and title she has, she was a genuine person who truly had an interest in us while we conversed.

Even without a plan to have a future in politics I still learned a lot that I will take with me into the future. At the very minimum, I am involved in politics in the way that I am a voter and a citizen, and I must decide if I am going to be an informed voter or an ignorant one. This past week shone a light on that aspect of politics in ways I had never thought about.

This past week taught me a lot, however, the most important thing I learned was that being involved doesn’t necessarily mean running for office, it could be as simple as growing and shining my light as much as I can where God places me.

Without a shadow of a doubt, I would encourage everyone I know to go to this at least once, you won’t regret it.

I cannot explain how grateful I am to everyone involved, from the donors that made it possible, to Mr. Coppola and Ms. Olivia that ran it, to the chaperones and interns that took care of us, to Mrs. Nick who taught us, to the speakers who spoke and taught us,  to the kids who made it memorable, and finally to God for allowing me to have this incredible opportunity.

According to Maureen Van Den Berg, AACS Policy Analyst, “the AACS Youth Legislative Training Conference is one of the most exciting weeks of the year as Christian high school students gather in Washington, D.C. to learn more about leadership and civic involvement! This program often fills me with hope as I meet and interact with young people who are eager to serve God and help protect freedom in our country”.

Our YLTC mission is to provide Christian high school students with a solid foundation in the constitutional principles of freedom, biblical leadership, and the most practical ways for a Christian to engage in public policy. As the conference takes place in Washington, D.C., students are able to get a hands-on experience of the political world through a Christian perspective”.

“Activities include tours of historical sites in Washington, D.C., a mock senate, seminars by conservative speakers, a “Day on Capitol Hill,” and challenging and encouraging devotionals.

Each of these components is specifically designed to motivate and inspire the students to love and serve the Lord and our country.”

“This year, the Lord blessed us with a wonderful group of students who were enthusiastic in their participation and learning, and exemplary in their character and testimony. What a blessing they were to all who interacted with them! We pray the Lord will continue to work in their hearts and raise up many future leaders from this group!”

Carson’s mom, Courtney, sums it up from a parent’s perspective: “This was my son’s second year attending YLTC, and it’s hard to put into words the impact it’s had on him. He’s been drawn to government and leadership from a young age, and his first year at YLTC deepened that passion by teaching him how the Senate works and showing him what it looks like to lead with purpose.

This year, he was given the amazing opportunity to step into a leadership role himself. I saw him come home with a new level of confidence—not just in what he knows, but in how he leads. He learned how to lead with humility, courage, and a heart for service, all rooted in his faith.

He also gained meaningful friendships and connections with like-minded students and mentors, which encouraged him and reminded him he’s not alone in his calling. During his time in D.C. and Arlington, he had the chance to meet with senators, lobbyists, and other leaders in public service. Visiting the monuments and museums made the experience even more impactful and inspiring for him.

YLTC opened his eyes to different career paths where he can use his gifts to make a difference. It gave him clarity, direction, and a deeper sense of calling.

As a parent, watching your child grow in both confidence and character is one of the greatest blessings. I’m so thankful for how YLTC continues to shape him—not just as a future leader, but as a young man of faith and conviction.”