Leadership isn’t just about being in charge. It’s about discovering your strengths, finding your purpose, working with others, and recognizing   the difference you can make.

Those lessons came to life during the inaugural Darke County Youth Leadership Conference, jointly hosted by The Light Foundation and Darke County Economic Development at Chenoweth Trails.

Centered around the theme “Leading with Honor: Lessons from the Frontlines,” the conference brought together students nominated by school staff from across Darke County for a day of personal discovery, career exploration, and hands-on leadership experiences. With military veterans and community leaders sharing their experiences throughout the day, students gained valuable perspectives on service, character, responsibility, and what it means to lead with honor.

Beyond the workshops and activities, one of the most rewarding parts of the day was watching students step outside their comfort zones, form new friendships, and connect with peers from other schools.

For The Light Foundation, the event was a natural extension of our mission to develop R.E.A.L. leaders — Responsible, Ethical, Accountable Leaders — while creating opportunities for young people to grow and succeed.

Finding Passion and Purpose

Vince Brantley, a retired U.S. Army Sargent Major and President and Co-Owner of Veritas Culture, kicked off the conference with an inspiring message about passion and purpose, encouraging students to think about what motivates them, what matters most to them, and how they can bring those values into their everyday lives.

Drawing from his experiences in military service and business leadership, Vince challenged students to look beyond simply setting goals and consider the purpose behind their actions. Whether in the classroom, on a team, at home, or in their communities, he encouraged them to approach each day with intention and find ways to make a positive impact.

It was a fitting way to begin a day centered on discovering individual strengths and learning how to put them into action.

Putting Leadership into Practice

Following the opening presentation, students rotated through interactive workshops and team-building activities that introduced new ways to understand themselves, communicate with others, and prepare for their futures.

Olivia Schmitmeyer, Career Connections Coordinator with Darke County Economic Development, led a session focused on communication and YouScience. Students explored their individual strengths and career aptitudes while learning how different communication styles influence the way people work together. The workshop also encouraged them to consider how their unique abilities could translate into future career opportunities.

Todd Gross, President and CEO of Ngenio USA, introduced students to the MPO Solution, a research-based tool designed to help individuals better understand their natural behaviors and communication styles. His session encouraged students to recognize how self-awareness can improve relationships, strengthen teamwork, and help them become more effective leaders.

The Light Foundation brought plenty of energy and friendly competition through hands-on team-building challenges. Students worked alongside peers from other schools, putting their communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills to the test.

Lessons from the Frontlines

The conference theme, “Leading with Honor: Lessons from the Frontlines,” was especially meaningful during an interactive lunch panel featuring Vince Brantley, Tabitha Sanders, Gaylen Blosser, and Steve Stebbins.

While enjoying lunch generously provided by Brethren Retirement Community, students had the opportunity to hear firsthand perspectives on leadership, service, and the experiences that shape strong leaders.

Rather than a traditional presentation, the conversation was driven by questions asked by the students themselves. Panelists shared personal experiences, offered advice, and engaged directly with students, creating an open and interactive discussion.

With military experience represented among the speakers, the panel reinforced the day’s theme by connecting lessons learned through service with the everyday decisions and responsibilities students face. It was an opportunity to see that leadership isn’t defined by a title or position, but by the character, integrity, and commitment we bring to the people around us.

Stronger Partnerships. Stronger Communities.

The inaugural conference was made possible through a shared vision between The Light Foundation and Darke County Economic Development: investing in young people today to help strengthen our community tomorrow.

That vision was supported by local businesses and community partners who recognized the value of bringing students together for an experience like this.

A special thank-you to our event sponsors: Darke County Economic Development Partnering for Success, JAFE Decorating Inc., Brethren Retirement Community (BRC), Midmark, Wayne HealthCare, and Dave Knapp Ford Lincoln Inc.

These organizations went beyond financial support by also providing volunteers who helped make the day possible. Their willingness to contribute their time, resources, and people reflects a genuine commitment to the next generation of Darke County leaders. Thank you to the volunteers who took time out of their busy schedules to lend a hand!

We’re also grateful to the school staff who nominated students, the presenters and panelists who shared their knowledge and experiences, and the educators who helped make student participation possible.

From planning and preparation to the final activities of the day, this conference was truly a community effort.

An Investment in the Future

The inaugural Darke County Youth Leadership Conference was about more than a single day of activities. It was an opportunity for students to discover their strengths, build confidence, form new connections, and begin thinking about the kind of leaders they want to become.

While the conference may have lasted just one day, we hope the lessons, friendships, and experiences will continue to influence these students long after they leave Chenoweth Trails.

Because the future of Darke County isn’t just something we plan for. It’s something we build by investing in the young people who will help shape it.