The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce hosted the opening reception for its 2022-23 Chamber Student Leadership Institute on Sept. 28 at the Smithfield Center.

Seventeen students from Smithfield High School, Windsor High School, Isle of Wight Academy and Nansemond-Suffolk Academy gathered for a day of learning and leadership to kick off the first session.

Students met with local  dignitaries and industry professionals for a series of workshops focusing on the topics of interviewing for success, professional dress, public speaking and more. Speakers included Ashley Rogers of the Town of Smithfield on “Interviewing for Success;” Kelley Healey, Christina Martin and Lauren Oliver of Farmers Bank on ”How to Dress for Success;” and Judy Winslow of the Isle of Wight/Smithfield Department of Tourism on “Public Speaking-PS is not BS.”

The Student Leadership Institute, which launched in 2013, is offered to high school juniors, including homeschooled students. The students learn about team building, utilizing resources, building self-confidence and making a  difference in their communities. An ethics component is built into each class, which parallel the academic year.

Facilitators for 2022-23 are Renee Rountree, Smithfield Town Council; Nicole Talton, Isle of Wight Economic Development; and Jamilia Shipman, Christopher Newport University. Program sponsors are the Town of Smithfield and Smithfield Foods.