The Five Town CSD hosted its second annual Student Leadership Forum on October 15, welcoming 42 juniors and seniors from Camden Hills for a full day of dialogue, discovery, and leadership development.

The event, held at the historic Camden Yacht Club, was organized and facilitated by Maria Libby, superintendent of the Five Town CSD.

“As Superintendent, I wanted a way to connect directly with students, to elevate student voice, build leadership skills, and support students in taking action in an area they care about,” said Libby.

Building on the success of its inaugural event in 2024, this year’s forum was formatted to keep students actively engaged. In addition to learning about leadership and identifying areas of change, the day included the much appreciated open-ended Q&A with administration.

A highlight of the day was a panel of former Camden Hills graduates who live locally and represent leadership in a variety of fields. These guests brought relevant perspectives, inspired thoughtful conversations, and offered valuable insights.

Panelists included:

• Davis Saltonstall, co-founder of ScrapDogs Community Compost, spoke about environmental entrepreneurship and building a mission-driven business from the ground up.

• Molly White, digital ethics advocate and author of the cryptocurrency newsletter, Citation Needed, offered insight into the evolving role of technology in society and the responsibilities of young leaders in shaping it.

• Amy Gertner, a veteran educator and oyster farmer, shared stories about educational leadership, staying true to yourself, and the power of mentorship.

• Caleb Lincoln, a developer focused on affordable housing initiatives in Maine, addressed the importance of equitable community planning, civic engagement, and the importance of starting with a small step.

Students actively participated, asking the panelists questions about their time as Camden Hills students, the paths they followed in pursuit of their passions and careers, and how to maintain purpose-driven leadership.

"The panelists responded with articulate, insightful honesty that helped students envision futures they could shape for themselves," said CHRHS. "They showed students that returning to or staying in Maine as adults was a viable choice, and perhaps most importantly, reassured them that they have time to figure it all out."

In addition to the panel, students took part in collaborative leadership activities throughout the day designed to enhance communication, critical thinking, and team-building skills. The forum encouraged students not only to listen and learn but to contribute, challenge ideas, and step into leadership roles within their school and broader community.

“This event is about more than just inspiration—it’s about equipping students with the confidence and tools to step forward as leaders. The energy, engagement, and maturity they bring to this forum are truly remarkable,” said Superintendent Libby.

"The forum is further evidence that the district is working to nurture the next generation of leaders and changemakers," said CHRHS.