Ms Russell and fellow local Bill Cummins attended the conference during the July school holidays where they had the chance to interact with outstanding high school scholars from around the world.

The unique leadership conference was this year themed ‘The Leaders of Tomorrow Preparing for the Global Challenges and Responsibilities of the Future’.

Both Kirby and Bill had the chance to interact with key leaders and newsmakers with powerful influence over politics, finance, culture and diplomacy, and will take part in a carefully designed curriculum, which includes thought-provoking

simulations that build leadership skills.

Students were split into several different county groups-Kirby was part of the Brazil group while Bill was working on behalf of China.

There were 23 people in each group from a number of different countries and Kirby said this was one of the most interesting aspects of the conference.

“They were from all over…we spent most of the first week getting to know each other’s customs and experiences from home and how we all lived.

“It was lovely and really interesting.

“We all got along very well and everyone was willing to cooperate.”

* See the full story on page 11 of today's Cowra Guardian, Friday August 26, 2011.