Approximately 150 junior and senior high school students participated in the summit at the school, 100 N. Cedar St. Schools represented included Escanaba, Gladstone, Bark River-Harris, Big Bay de Noc, Engadine, Newberry, Sault Ste. Marie, Munising and Manistique.

The summit featured various presenters that focused on a different topic in sessions throughout the day. Each student received lunch and a Power U.P. “swag bag” filled with merchandise and snacks, plusa they had the chance to win prizes during the closing session.

Students organized and worked much of the event as well.

“Manistique High School students checked schools in upon arrival, they did all of the welcome activities including dancing, cheering, writing the script, introducing videos and speakers. They were the ‘tour guides’ to the students from other schools throughout the day to the breakout sessions that were held in various rooms throughout the building,” said Christi Ryan, Manistique Middle School social studies teacher. “They picked up all of the pizzas for lunch, stuffed the swag bags and handed out the T-shirts. They made sure that the day ran smoothly from start to finish, set up and cleaned up at the end of the day.”

The Power U.P. Service and Leadership Summit on Monday at Manistique Middle and High School featured various presenters who focused on a different topic in sessions throughout the day. (Courtesy photo)

This year’s keynote speaker was Ryan Penneau, a presenter from Howell, Michigan. Penneau is a lead facilitator for the Penneau Training Group based in Harris.

The day began with all attendees gathered in the school’s auditorium for Penneau’s keynote session, “From the Heart,” which encouraged students to connect, lead authentically and make a difference, according to Ryan.

Additional presenters Monday included local educators, professionals and community leader. Each volunteered their time to lead a series of five interactive breakout sessions focused on leadership, service and personal growth.

After Penneau’s keynote speech, students rotated through these sessions:

— Along with his keynote session, Penneau presented on “People!” that detailed how people surrounding the students influence their goals, risks and perspectives, and reflected on how to build a supportive network.

Several local educators and professionals presented Monday at the Power U.P. Service and Leadership Summit at the Manistique Middle and High School. (Courtesy photo)

— Jill Connin, Michigan State University Extension/Schoolcraft County 4-H program coordinator, presented “Lead from Any Seat.” Students learned the basics of Robert’s Rules of Order and how to lead and contribute in group decision-making settings.

– Nikole Messer, a certified Master Resilience Trainer and U.S. Air Force retiree, spoke on “Resilience, Service & Leadership.” Messer shared strategies for adapting, recovering and staying grounded under pressure through key leadership skills.

— Dawn Norman presented “Service: Find Your Passion, Make an Impact.” This session encouraged students to identify causes they care about and develop an action plan to make a difference in their schools and communities.

— Sophie Shepard and Kiarra Herson of Limestone Financial Credit Union had a program titled “Money Habits = Leadership Habits.” Students listened on the connections between financial habits and leadership values — such as trust, integrity, vision and credibility — through a “Jeopardy”-style activity.

— Nanette Hanson of Escanaba offered, “Leading with a Purpose: Ways to Inspire and Guide a Team.” Hanson, the 2022-23 Region Teacher of the Year and 2023-24 Michigan Teacher of the Year, shared strategies for motivating and empowering others.

— Linda Remsburg, manager of nonprofit success at Grow & Lead, presented “Everyone Can Be a Philanthropist — Especially You!” Remsburg encouraged students to use their time, talents and treasures to make a difference and highlighted the importance of youth involvement in nonprofit organizations.

— Darrell Dixson, Marine Corps and Vietnam combat veteran and retired sergeant for the Michigan State Police, spoke on “Your Path, Your Story.” He shared his journey of resilience and change, encouraging students to embrace life’s unexpected turns and create their own unique paths.

The Service and Leadership Summit was created to fill a long-standing gap in student leadership and service development opportunities across the Upper Peninsula, organizers said.

In 2024, four student-led groups — YETI Service Club, Student Leadership, National Honor Society and the Youth Advisory Committee — came together to launch the first Upper Peninsula-wide student-based Service and Leadership Summit. The inaugural event celebrated student achievements and inspired increased service efforts across school districts.

This year’s summit continued its mission to inform, inspire and connect students. The conference provided students with the opportunity to learn from one another, discover new ideas and challenge their schools to grow through service.

Manistique Area Schools hosted the conference with support from educators and co-chairs Ryan and Mike Powers.