As the summer was winding down for many Clarkston students, it was still in full force for Emily Allen.
Allen, an eighth grade student at Clarkston Middle School, recently attended the 2004 National Junior Leaders Conference in Chicago at Lakeforest College during a week-long study of law and justice.
‘I was interested in studying law,? Allen said.
Receiving information in the mail about the program from an unknown nominating party, Allen’s geography teacher spoke highly of the conference and suggested she attend. Allen took the advice.
‘There’s quite a bit to law, more than meets the eye,? Allen said.
A large part of the conference involved a mock trial. Allen served on the prosecution side during a ‘trial? involving a fatal injury between two hockey players.
‘It showed us a lot about what to do,? Allen said. ‘They taught us a lot. It taught us that the prosecution is the harder side to argue.?
In addition to the mock trial, Allen attended lectures from guest speakers, participated in a variety of workshops and completed field experiences based on the country’s legal system. All students were also given homework and daily assignments as part of the conference.
‘We all actually enjoyed doing the homework, which was the odd part,? Allen said.
Spending so much time with students of the same age from all over the country allowed Allen to develop new friendships.
‘We taught each other about different parts of the country,? Allen said.
Even Allen’s mother was impressed by the strong bonds developed during the conference.
‘I was amazed at the friendships,? Elizabeth Allen said. ‘Ever since they’ve left they’ve been in contact.?