The Office of Professional and Continuing Education’s (OPCE) High School Leadership Conference (HSLC) is empowering the next generation of leaders to lead with the Auburn spirit of “the human touch.”
OPCE is the department of Auburn University Outreach that works to provide educational resources and promote lifelong learning in Lee County and beyond. Auburn Youth Programs (AYP), a signature initiative of University Outreach, functions as the campuswide hub for summer youth camps, academic experiences and enrichment programs. The HSLC is one of many programs designed to expand opportunities for learning and personal growth.
Each year the conference boasts over 350 student participants from local schools and across the country. Interested participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible, beginning during the fall season.
At the 2026 High School Leadership Conference, Hollie Cost, assistant vice president for University Outreach and Public Service, served as the conference’s opening speaker.
“I was genuinely inspired by these students. Their engagement, their confidence and their willingness to learn reminded me how powerful it is when young people are encouraged to find mentors, surround themselves with champions and lead in ways that reflect their core values," Cost stated.
Salena Marino, former conference participant and the 2026 HSLC board president, stated the HSLC has taught her “the importance of knowing when to include others.”
While planning the conference, Marino sought to incorporate different leadership styles while leading her team. “We’re a well-oiled machine; If everyone was a hand, we wouldn’t be able to walk,” she stated. “We need the legs; we need the heart; we need the brain.”
According to Marino, true leaders are not afraid to ask for help. “It takes a village, and that is okay,” she stated.
"That is why we’re the loveliest village on the plains. The community here is fantastic.”
She finds her role deeply rewarding, especially “seeing a student light up when they understand their type of leadership and see them break out of their shell.”
Prior to serving on the student executive board for the HSLC, she began her leadership journey with Auburn as a high school junior who attended the conference.
“I went junior year, loved it, and I came back again as a senior,” Marino stated. “Patrick George was our keynote speaker, and I still remember his speech to this day…I remember being fully entranced by the way he just commanded his audience,” she expanded.
During this year’s conference, George enthralled his audience again. He began his keynote speech by commanding his audience to create rainstorm sounds through cleverly coordinated hand and feet movements.
He quickly captured his audience and won their respect through this trick before moving onto sharing his family’s legacy of leadership.
George also emphasized the importance of reaching out to people who have been “discounted” by others.
Kadarius Spence, junior at Lanet High School, felt moved by George’s words.
Spence felt encouraged to “reach out to people who don’t participate” because they feel “they don’t have the platform to say what they want to say.”
Abby McCormick, Auburn University sophomore in Neuroscience and Biomedical Sciences (pre-med) and counselor for the conference, realized a similar sentiment.
McCormick emphasized that “leadership is not a journey for a select group of people.”
The 2026 High School Leadership Conference marked another successful year of motivating high school students to follow their dreams and uplift each other in their pursuit of greatness.
Auburn University staff and student leaders offered budding leaders expertise on improving their skills as a leader to become their best self as they transition into their college career and beyond.
For more information about the HSLC, visit OPCE's High School Leadership page.
