McGovern: Young leader at a national conference

Thomas McGovern, a freshman at Allentown High School, attends the National Young Leaders State Conference in Princeton.

ALLENTOWN - Local student Thomas McGovern was chosen to represent New Jersey at last month's National Young Leaders State Conference (NYLSC).

The conference, which is sponsored by the Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC), was held in Princeton on Sept. 14-19.

According to McGovern, the NYLSC was "an awesome experience."

"I learned numerous valuable leadership skills and techniques that I will be able to use now and for the rest of my life," he said.

McGovern said he had the opportunity to improve his social skills "because going into the experience, I knew no one.

"[But] coming out," he added, "I have made many friends that I am sure I will stay in touch with for many years to come."

Now a freshman at Allentown High School (AHS), McGovern was nominated last year for the conference while in eighth grade by an educator at the Upper Freehold Regional Elementary/Middle School.

He was recognized as one of a select group of students who has achieved academic excellence, and who exhibits both the maturity and the responsibility to represent Allentown at this unique leadership program for exceptional young leaders.

McGovern was actively involved in the Peer Leaders Club at the Upper Freehold middle school and is currently an active participant in AHS' Lifesavers Club, a drug-prevention action group. He also is involved with the high school youth group that services the Allentown community.

In addition to his academic responsibilities, Thomas enjoys music, the performing arts and sports activities.