Eight Cuyahoga Heights High School sophomores had the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills and connect with fellow student-athletes during the 2026 Chagrin Valley Conference (CVC) Student-Athlete Leadership Conference, held Friday, November 6, at Beachwood High School.

Representing Cuyahoga Heights High School were Lily Bacci, Sienna Clark, Liam Conte, Matthew Cowling, John Menkhaus, Jillisia Pena, Bram Podoll and Baryn Rusch.

The annual conference brings together student-athletes from schools throughout the Chagrin Valley Conference to develop leadership, teamwork, communication and character-building skills that can make a positive difference both on and off the field.

The event was led by nationally recognized youth motivational speaker Ted Wiese, who regularly facilitates the conference. Through interactive activities, group challenges and discussions, Wiese encouraged students to examine what it means to be an effective leader and how their attitudes, actions and decisions can influence those around them.

Throughout the conference, students explored the importance of working together, building trust, demonstrating good sportsmanship and leading by example. The activities challenged participants to step outside their comfort zones, collaborate with students from other schools and recognize the impact they can have on their teammates and school communities.

A central message of the conference was that leadership extends beyond athletic competition. Wiese challenged participants to take the lessons they learned back to their home schools and put them into practice by supporting their teammates, encouraging others and setting positive examples for their peers.

For the eight Cuyahoga Heights sophomores, the experience provided an opportunity to grow as student-athletes while developing skills that will serve them throughout high school and beyond.

By participating in the conference, these students are helping strengthen a culture of leadership, teamwork and positive character within the district’s athletic program and the Cuyahoga Heights school community.