JUNE 26-28, 2023 ✨ COLLINSVILLE, ILLINOIS
Registration is now open!
The 2023 VISION National Student Leadership Conference: Where Dreams Come True!
Are you a student leader in grades 6-11 or an advisor dreaming of a place where you can go to meet and network with other leaders and advisors just like you from across the United States?
A magical place where you are inspired by incredible national youth speakers, where you elevate your leadership skills, make a difference through hands-on community service, share ideas and projects, and where you focus your vision on the future and your role as leaders in a rapidly-changing world?
Make plans now to attend the 2023 VISION National Student Leadership Conference, hosted by Collinsville High School in Collinsville, Illinois—located just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis—June 26-28. It’s Where Dreams Come True!
Iowa student leaders in front of the world’s largest catsup bottle in Collinsville, Illinois
Conference registration is $199/person and includes conference materials, t-shirt, and most meals. Participants are responsible for transportation to/from Collinsville, hotel accommodations, and any optional pre/post conference activities/excursions. During the conference, Collinsville High School will provide bus transportation between official conference hotels and CHS; any delegation that chooses to stay somewhere other than a conference hotel will be responsible for their own transportation. Individuals may not register on their own; they must register as part of their state’s or school’s delegation.
Featured Speakers
June 26, 2023 • Opening Session
Judson Laipply ✨
After getting his Master's Degree in 2000, Judson Laipply has been entertaining and educating audiences all over the globe. With energy and engagement, comedy and content, wit and wisdom, Judson provides keynotes and trainings that are as enjoyable as they are impactful.
On top of that, he is the world's first YouTube celebrity. In 2006 Judson uploaded his video, The Evolution of Dance, to YouTube. The rest is history: it was the first video to reach 100 million views and held the Guinness World Record for most-liked video for three years. As a special treat, Judson will teach all of us a shortened version of his epic dance routine! JudsonLaipply.com
June 26, 2023 • Student Leadership Session
Monte Selby ✨
Dr. Monte Selby is a Grammy® Award winning songwriter, recording artist, educator, author, and speaker. Known as "education's songwriter", Monte has written and performed hundreds of songs with over 42,000 students around the world.
Monte has his roots in education as an award-winning teacher, principal, and professor. He works as a trainer and consultant, has keynoted numerous national and international conferences, and written music with nearly 43,000 K-12 grade students. Over one thousand performances, workshops and leadership presentations have left audiences laughing, singing, and applauding across North America, Europe and Asia. Hundreds of participants have evaluated Monte's sessions as, "the most engaging presentation I've ever attended!" MonteSelby.com
June 26, 2023 • Advisor Workshop Session
Terri Johnson ✨
Terri Johnson is a former Executive Director of the Missouri Association of Student Councils (MASC), a position she has held for over 20 years. She retired from 30 years in public education in 2011, serving as a school counselor and student council advisor.
Terri served two terms as the President of the National Association of State Student Council Executive Directors. She was inducted into the Missouri Circle of Excellence (2008), was 2000 Missouri Advisor of the Year, and was recognized as the Earl Reum Award winner in 2016. But, she feels her greatest accomplishment is raising three sons, (who all participated in MASC activities), alongside her husband Bruce, a retired superintendent.
Her philosophy – “There is a leadership lesson in everything” is the basis of the way she approaches each day! Terri has been passionate about leadership her entire life and loves sharing tips, tricks and ideas with advisors. masc@masc1.org
June 27, 2023 • General Session
Heather Schultz ✨
June 27, 2023 • Pep Assembly Games
Gary Clark ✨
Gary Clark currently serves as the Executive Director of the Illinois Association of Student Councils (IASC) and President of the National Association of State Student Council Executive Directors (NASSCED). A teacher for 34 years and long-time Student Council advisor at Collinsville High School, Mr. Clark hosted the National Student Council conference in 2005. He has presented workshops at numerous conferences across the United States and was a presenter at the NASSP's national LEAD Conferences for over 10 years. Now retired from teaching, Mr. Clark runs an antique store specializing in furniture from 1740 - 1840. .
June 27, 2023 • Advisor Workshop Session
Karen Dawson ✨
Karen Dawson spent 32 years as a high school art and leadership teacher and was also involved in service learning. She was named as an All-American Teacher by USA TODAY and has earned numerous awards during her career, including the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from President George W. Bush for her work with Habitat for Humanity.
In 2012, she co-founded a nonprofit weekly community outreach program that provides a meal for anyone in need in the St. Louis area. Since its inception, more than 66,000 meals have been served. This program is now being emulated in 54 communities. Currently she is the co-chair of the Greater St. Louis Area Homeless Task Force.
June 27, 2023 • Large Group Workshop
Zach Baumann ✨
Captan Zach "ZB" Baumann goes by Zach, Uncle Zach, and Captain Zach—in that order. He plays the drums in a band with his best friends (A Brother’s Fountain) and seeks out challenges like climbing Mount Rainier and racing IRONMAN triathlons. Uncle Zach has 6 nieces and nephews scattered across the country that he loves dearly. Captain Zach is an active-duty USAF Force Support Officer who is on a mission to make the world smaller… one relationship at a time.
In May of 2021 he graduated from the University of Colorado – Boulder with an MBA focused on IT business strategy, marketing, and analytics. His passions are marketing, storytelling, and leveraging the power of networks to solve problems. He co-founded Air Force Gaming, a grassroots movement of gamers which picked up so much momentum that the Air Force essentially “acquired” in the fall of 2020.
June 27, 2023 • Large Group Workshop
Richard Mark ✨
With a distinguished 20-year career in the energy sector and 45 years of business and civic leadership, Richard J. Mark, is a graduate of Collinsville High School and recently-retired CEO & President of Ameren Illinois, a top-tier midwest power utility company.
Among his accomplishments, Mark is credited with increasing Ameren Illinois' corporate philanthropy efforts and focusing on building stronger local communities. In 10 years, he directed more than $22 million in donations to Downstate Illinois non-profits and service organizations and stepped up the company's volunteer efforts for charitable causes. As a champion of diversity, Mark opened doors for more minorities to grow into leadership positions in Ameren Illinois and increased the value of goods and services purchased from minority- and women-owned suppliers by 34% over ten years.
June 27, 2023 • Illuminations Program
Marquita Thomas ✨
Marquita Thomas is a former teacher and school counselor—and former Executive Director of both the Tennessee Association of Student Councils (TASC) and the Southern Association of Student Councils (SASC). She served on NASC Executive Board and NASSCED Executive Board. But of all of her accomplishments, she says that working with student leaders is one of the greatest privileges of her life.
