Seventy-five grades 8-12 students from Newark and Lyons Central School Districts attended the highly inspirational, first annual Pathways to Purpose Summit the Wayne-Finger Lakes Conference Center January 27th.
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Health teacher Erin Brooks from Lyons CSD and Julia Solan, NCSD Director of Family & Community Engagement collaborated to bring students from both schools together for this incredibly motivating event.
“This conference focused on empowering students to network with others, share their passions, and prepare them for post-secondary life,” Solan said.
“Students engaged in interactive, small-group discussions, and opportunities to connect with a variety of professional and personal backgrounds,” Brooks said. “Pathways to Purpose serves as a reminder that students do not need to know their purpose yet; but with support, reflection, and community, they are already on the path toward discovering it.”
Dr. Julia Garcia, a Doctor of Psychology, TEDx speaker, and the author of “The Five Habits of Hope” was the keynote speaker who talked to students about “Pathways of Hope.”
“For over a decade, Dr. Garcia has helped people get real about their struggles, rewrite their stories, and build cultures where everyone feels seen and valued. Her presentation was ground-breaking, interactive and engaging,” Solan said. “Her message resonated deeply with students and staff alike, speaking about the nonlinear nature of purpose, sharing personal stories that highlighted perseverance, self-reflection, and growth. She encouraged students to embrace uncertainty, take risks, and view challenges as opportunities for learning rather than setbacks. Her keynote reinforced the idea that purpose evolves over time and is shaped by experiences, relationships, and values.
After the keynote speaker and lunch prepared by STEADY Work program from Newark, students had the opportunity to attend two breakout sessions that emphasized college & career readiness and self-empowerment.
Students chose two of the following sessions provided by Newark and Lyons CSD staff and outside providers.
- Jeopardy: The College Knowledge Edition
- Own the Interview: Turning Experiences into Opportunities
- Communication & Collaboration in the Unknown
- The Art of Being You
- The Process Matters: Building Resilience When Things Get Hard
Here are comments from a few Newark Middle School 8th grade students on their experience at the Summit.
Peter Kuperus: ”I thought Pathways to Purpose was very inspiring and helpful in finding out who I want to be in life. Pathways to Purpose' gave me the clarity and inspiration to discover who I want to be."
Noah Michel: "It taught me to always follow your gut.”
Camielle Nardozzi: “Dr. Garcia helped me to understand that you should believe in yourself even when nobody else does.”
NMS French teacher and National Junior Honor Society Advisor Dina Austin, who attended the Summit with the students said: "Pathways to Purpose was such an amazing experience for our students! I heard so many positive comments from the students all day. Dr. Garcia was truly inspiring, and it would be wonderful if all our students could see her. The seminars throughout the day were so informative for the students as well! I truly appreciate that our students were included!”
“Pathways to Purpose reminded me that students don’t need all the answers; they need space, support, and meaningful conversations. Watching students engage, ask questions, and reflect on their own journeys affirmed why this work matters so deeply to me,” Brooks said.
“It was wonderful to collaborate with Lyons CSD to provide an opportunity for our students to come together to celebrate, empower one another, and most importantly remind them of their dreams and journeys. One of my goals is to provide opportunities for our students to achieve their goals & remember their dreams, I believe the first Pathways to Purpose conference did just that,” Solan said.
“It was a privilege to partner with Lyons CSD to create a space where our students could come together to celebrate, uplift one another, and most importantly reconnect with their dreams and personal journeys. One of my core goals is to ensure students have meaningful opportunities to pursue their aspirations and stay grounded in what inspires them, and the inaugural Pathways to Purpose conference truly brought that vision to life.”
“It was moving to see our communities come together to share with our students how to be a leader and voice in their community and for themselves,” said NCSD Superintendent Susan Hasenauer. “Dr. Garcia’s presentation was beyond inspirational as she had students ‘let go’ of the barriers that prohibited them from achieving their dreams and to consider ‘maybe.’ A student I sat next to had to wipe her eyes as the activity had such an impact on her. I am grateful for Julia Solan, Director of Family and Community Engagement for collaborating with the Lyons School District to make this opportunity possible for our students.”
Brooks and Solan thanked presenters, Dr. Julia Garcia, Christi Kuhn, MS/HS Counselor (Lyons CSD), Katrina Henderson Director of Human Resources & Grant Operations (Lyons CSD), William Bean, Coordinator of Professional Learning (Newark CSD), Caitlin Drago, Associate Certified Coach (Inspire Improv & Coaching), and Braxton Guy, Executive Director of the Alex Eligh Community Center (AECC, Newark).
They also thanked Kim Howell, Newark Community Schools Coordinator (Newark CSD), Joe Keyes, Newark High School Social Studies Teacher, (Newark CSD), Danielle Ohlson, NHS
English Teacher (Newark CSD), Lindsey Engels, NHS English Teacher (Newark CSD), Erica Gansz Social Studies and Leadership Teacher (Lyons CSD), for helping to “organize and prep this incredible opportunity.”