Salem Club Leaders Visit NACA Conference

By: Sydney Halsey

From right to left: Melanie Tellez, Faith Kiss, Sky Sykes, Chais White, Sydney Leggott, Kaliyah Thomas, Lyn Bailey and Sydney Halsey. (Not pictured: chaperones Sydney Bowen and Cassie Cunningham.)

Most Valentine’s Days are typically filled with romance, chocolate, and flowers, but for the student leaders on the NACA trip, February 14th, 2025, looked a little different. Rather than celebrating with sweet gestures and candy hearts, the day was marked by travel—10 hours, to be exact. The journey began in Highpoint, NC, and took them all the way to Philadelphia. A long and tiring day, yes, but a day filled with anticipation and excitement for what lay ahead.

Upon their arrival, the student leaders were met with something entirely unexpected—an energy and atmosphere they couldn’t have predicted. As they ventured into the city, they stumbled upon the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl party, a sea of green jerseys, loud chants, and a palpable sense of excitement. The passion of the Super Bowl fans was contagious, and even though they were in the midst of a football frenzy, the student leaders couldn’t help but be energized by the unpredictability and enthusiasm around them.

However, as loud and passionate as the Eagles’ fans were, the energy of these student leaders—these incredible representatives of Salem—was even more powerful. After attending the National Activity NACA Conference, their passion for their school and their community had only grown stronger. At the conference, they immersed themselves in new, innovative strategies for campus engagement. They discovered fresh, exciting ways to make events more inclusive and impactful, learning tools they could bring back to Salem to enhance the student experience. It wasn’t just about learning at that moment; it was about how to make lasting change and create meaningful connections for everyone in the Salem community.

The conference, though seemingly short, proved to be incredibly valuable. The student leaders took on the challenge of being fully present, diving into every opportunity presented. They engaged with a variety of booths, participated in activities, and filled their days with learning and excitement. It wasn’t all work and no play—there were plenty of fun moments along the way that only served to enrich the overall experience.

And now, as they return to Salem, these student leaders are full of new ideas and strategies to implement back on campus. 

They’re eager to take the knowledge they’ve gained and turn it into action, ready to create a more vibrant and engaged campus community. This trip wasn’t just about attending a conference; it was about building lasting connections, bringing new ideas to life, and strengthening the bond these leaders have with their school. Their experience in Philadelphia has fueled their commitment to making Salem an even better place, and they can’t wait to share what they’ve learned with their peers.

The long day of travel and unexpected adventures was just the beginning of an inspiring journey—one that will continue to unfold as these student leaders work to bring their newfound knowledge and passion back to Salem.