Nova Scotia high school students are taking charge of their own future by learning important leadership skills not always taught in school. St. Francis Xavier University is proud to host the 2025 Nova Scotia Secondary School Students' Association (NSSSA) provincial conference to be held May 15-18 on campus.
NSSSA is the largest student-led leadership group in Canada. Organized by students for students, the conference provides an opportunity to strengthen skills that will assist youth in any path they choose. The conference creates an environment for students to learn new skills, creating a supportive atmosphere not typically found in the classroom.
"Students will learn a wide variety of leadership skills that will make them well-rounded and take them to the next level in many aspects of their lives," said Nolan Neville, NSSSA Conference Committee Co-Chair. "Students will go through a plethora of workshops detailing communication, teamwork, critical thinking, decision making, and project planning. Most importantly, students will learn how to bring these skills back to their schools and communities to make real change."
NSSSA's conference is called Lights, Action, Leadership.' The organization offers free bus transportation from anywhere in the province to the conference and a very generous bursary program. Since 1992, students have developed and enhanced this one-of-a-kind organization that supports youth in developing leadership and confidence skills. There is no other youth organization like it in Canada.
"High school students are at a pivotal stage in their lives, beginning to discover who they are and who they want to become," added Abbey MacNeil, NSSSA Conference Committee Co-Chair. "They are balancing social lives, schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and planning for their futures, often all at once," added Ms. MacNeil. "Unfortunately, many teenagers feel out of place as they navigate their interests, leading to a lack of self-assurance and confidence. It had provided me with a community when I didn't have one and gave me encouragement and confidence when I had none."
"NSSSA is important because it empowers youth to become confident, compassionate leaders," said Faith Campbell, NSSSA Conference Committee Co-Chair. "It provides a supportive space where students can build leadership skills without fear of judgment, form lasting friendships, and discover their potential to make a positive impact in their schools and communities."
Three powerful Nova Scotian guest speakers will highlight the conference at StFX.
A Halifax ultra-marathoner who ran across Canada last year to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada will discuss how anything is possible despite circumstances. Ryan Keeping will encourage conference attendees to "flip the switch," encouraging youth to become the person they want to be.
African Nova Scotian Terrence Taylor will give a compelling discussion about overcoming failure and changing the negative message around failure. As a former college student-athlete, he's learned to transfer the skills from youth sports to adult life and now uses stories to educate others on how to grow personally, as well as their businesses and creative skills.
Alexis Milligan is a multifaceted artistic researcher based in Nova Scotia known for her work as an actor, movement specialist, director, educator, and more. Her keynote will be a hands-on, inclusive experience encouraging participants to slow down, connect with their bodies, and use movement and creativity to process emotions. Her work helps individuals feel more grounded, present, and emotionally aware, reminding people that true leadership begins with self-awareness and authenticity.
To attend the NSSSA provincial conference and for more information, go to: https://www.nsssa.ca/conferences-and-events/ and register under Lights, Action, Leadership."
