The 3rd Annual Youth Leadership Conference was held on Thursday, February 1, 2007 at JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko Olina.  Over 450 high school students, grades 9-12, from Nanakuli, Waianae and Kapolei were invited.

Our keyote speakers:  The Honorable Mayor Mufi Hannemann, Celine Nelsen, Augie T and Bruce Murakami and Justin Cabezas shared their poignant stories and messages of fulfilling dreams and reaching your goals.

Our breakout sessions included:  Chastity Cox, Helen Wai, Anthony Guerrero, Dustin Shindo, Dr. Ric Custodio, Kami Kato, Larry Andres and staff from Kamehameha Schools to assist with the online career and college assessment - www.hi.kuder.com software.

Each attendee was treated to a special breakfast provided by McDonalds of Waianae, Nanakuli and Kapolei, a conference shirt, backpack filled with goodies and supplies, and a college resource handbook.  A delicious buffet lunch was enjoyed by all with entertainment by Nanakuli High and Intermediate Drama Club who rocked the house with their ballads and dance routines!

After the breakout sessions, students returned to the Pavilion to hear the next speaker from Safe Teen Driver, Bruce Murakami.  He shared how his wife and young daughter were killed by a teenage driver.  Later, Justin Cabezas steps to the podium to admit he was the one responsible for the death of the Bruce's family and how they formed their special relationship to forgive, move forward and share the important message about driving responsibly. 

While waiting for the buses to pick up, an impromptu Song Fest was held on the Main Stage with each school coming forward to proudly sing their alma mater.  It was a chicken skin moment, as students sang their hearts out, proudly singing their school song.  NHS and WHS students cheered as the newly formed Kapolei High School, sang their song.  The electric slide and dancing continued until the buses arrived. 

Mahalo to our sponsors:  C&C of Honolulu, NFL Charities, Kamehameha Schools, Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center, Kosasa Family Fund, Friends of Hawaii Charities, GearUp Hawaii, Tesoro Hawaii, Grace Pacific, Kapolei Rotary Foundation, Leeward Community College, McDonalds of Nanakuli, Waianae and Kapolei, Searider Productions, Westside Stories and NHIS Graphic Department.