Board approves student trip to Snowball CGTI leadership conference at Eastern Illinois University

Students from Elmwood Park High School and their sponsor asked the board to approve attendance at the Snowball CGTI Leadership Conference at Eastern Illinois University, scheduled July 13–17, 2025.

Meredith Brayton, a student leader, told the board, “What we need from you guys is your approval.” Students and sponsor described the conference as a five-day leadership program focused on confidence, healthy decision-making, time management and developing a school-coach culture.

The students listed attendees as Meredith Brayton, Sarah Scheidt, Achilles Gonzalez, Deilani Rodriguez, Marco Cena, Samuel Barbera and Sophie Toledo; they said registration is $500 per student and that scholarships might reduce the cost for some attendees. A board member asked about logistics and whether the students would report back after the conference; the students said accommodations and meals are provided on the Eastern Illinois University campus.

The board then moved to approve the trip. The meeting record shows the motion passed; board members voting yes included Mister Volpe, Miss Silver, Mister Lochney, Miss Doyle and Mister Parisi; Mister Shevinsky is recorded as voting no. The meeting record states “that motion carried.”

No additional details about funding sources, district-paid stipends or transportation arrangements were provided in the presentation; the students said they planned to cover some costs from their own pockets and through available scholarships.