"I usually had trouble talking to others when in a group," says Jenna Wallace, 15 of Palmerton.

But after spending four days at the National Young Leaders State Conference (NYLSC) in Harrisburg, Jenna has come home with a new sense of confidence and inspiration."I feel I really improved in being able to speak to other people. I believe it will help me get better grades, especially when I have to make presentations," she says.The NYLSC is a unique, life-changing program for students in one of the most critical phases of their lives and of their education. It is for the most highly motivated students in the nation, focuses on core leadership power tools that provide scholars with critical skills essential for success in life.NYLSC challenges its scholars to step forward with conviction and confidence, to grasp the concepts of self-awareness, social awareness and self-reliance, to develop strong relationship and communications skills and to understand and practice responsible decision making.The curriculum of NYLSC is delivered by highly-trained and qualified facilitators. Through their insight and guidance, and with the interaction of peers, scholars practice, apply and return home with the keys to help them choose the path toward making a difference in school and in their communities, and toward accomplishing their dreams in the future.Jenna's ready to try out some of the new skills she learned when she begins her sophomore year at Palmerton Area High School, where she takes all honors classes.Jenna was somewhat afraid to go to the conference because she didn't know what to expect. But everyone was so nice to her, she was quickly put at ease.Each of the participants receive a workbook that they take to each group session."Coming together is a Beginning. Keeping together is Progress. Working together is Success," is a quote by Henry Ford found in the workbook and Jenna believes those words applied to her experience."I made some new friends and it was great to be a part of something where everybody appreciated each other and what they had to say."At the closing ceremony, she found herself to be very envious of those who got up in front of everyone who talked about their experiences."I hope someday I could do that," she says.Jenna so loved the conference that she was sad to leave."I wish I could have been there longer," she says.The cost to attend was $1,500. Jenna is very grateful to the West End Vol. Fire Co. and its bingo hall for helping her, as well as Life Is Good Chiropractic for its donation.She's already thinking of fundraisers that will help her earn $5,000 so she can attend the nine-day NYLS Conference in Washington, D.C. next year."I really want to go," she says.Jenna is the daughter of Melissa and Phil Costenbader. She has two brothers and three sisters. The family has a large garden where they grow much of what they eat and preserve. They have several animals ranging from goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, ducks, turkeys and a cow."I love animals. Everything for me is about animals. I want to be a veterinarian when I graduate," she says.When Jenna received an invitation from NYLSC she didn't know who nominated her for the honor but assumes it was one, or more, of her teachers."I wish I knew who it was because I would like to tell him or her how very much I appreciate it. I had a really great time," she says.In fact, her NYLSC experience was so positive that she had her certificate framed so she can hang it in her room."I thought it was worthy of it," she says.