Des Moines, Iowa – Iowa Congressman David Young began his Iowa Youth Leadership summit today by speaking to the over 125 high school students gathered at the State Capitol Building in Des Moines.

Students from throughout Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District participated in the daylong event that included breakout sessions focusing on leadership development facilitated by the University of Northern Iowa’s (UNI) Classic Upward Bound Program.

Congressman Young told the students, “Have fun, meet new people and really dig in because this is a great opportunity to learn more about yourself and others and how to approach the next challenges in life. Leadership can involve risk and sometimes that means pushing a door open to try something new and setting a new course. Do not be afraid to do that. My mantra has always been to work hard and treat others with respect.

“You can accomplish a lot by seizing the opportunities before you and being a good person. And remember if someone says to you – ‘run for student president or city council or Congress’ – don’t laugh at him or her. That means they see something in you and that is a great honor.”

Trace Petersen, Emily Hohenberger, Gabriel Martinez, Congressman Young, Ethan Halterman, Ashley Freund, Sarah Fixmer

The Youth Leadership Summit was started by former Congressman Tom Latham in 2007 with a goal of empowering Iowa’s youths to interact with their government, but also to help mentor the next generation of Iowa’s leaders as they look to, and prepare for, their futures. Congressman Young has made it a priority to continue this yearly event so students are able to take advantage of this important resource.