Published on February 6, 2026

Lake Land College recently hosted more than 120 students from area high schools for the annual High School Leadership Conference at Lake Land College. The event was hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA) with assistance from the Student Activity Board (SAB).

High schools in attendance were Neoga, Dieterich, Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow (LIFT), Stewardson-Strasburg, Cowden-Herrick, Effingham, Beecher City and Mattoon.

The event began with a brief message from Vice President of Student Services Heather Nohren, who welcomed the students to campus. Attendees then participated in leadership sessions covering leadership building, dressing to succeed, communication, careers and more. Comedy magician Josh McVicar gave a keynote address, presenting valuable insights on communication and leadership while mixing in some mind-bending magic and misdirection.

The students were treated to lunch and a Q&A session with current Lake Land student leaders. Finally, they participated in a campus-wide scavenger hunt before winding down with a closing ceremony, which included a random drawing for several giveaways.

Grand prize giveaway winners each received tuition waivers worth 3 credit hours each to put toward classes at Lake Land College. The students who received the tuition waivers were Isabella Davis, Beecher City High School; Austyn Shaffer, Cowden-Herrick High School; Brooklynn Redfern, Mattoon High School; Brooklynn Douglas, Neoga High School; and London Carter, Mattoon High School.