The Simi Valley Youth Council encourages all high school students in Simi Valley to attend the 2016 Youth Summit, Transcontinental:  Across the USA!, on Friday, March 18, 2016, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.  Sponsored by the Simi Valley Youth Council, City of Simi Valley, and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, this free event is designed to inspire youth to set goals, enhance leadership abilities, and become involved in their community.  Attendance at the Summit is recognized by the Simi Valley Unified School District as an educational activity and is approved as school business.  Advance registration is required and students must reside and/or go to school within Simi Valley.  Public, private, independent study, and homeschool students are eligible to attend.

We are honored to announce that Summit participants will enjoy a keynote address by Olympic Gold Medalist and American gymnast Shawn Johnson.  Millions of viewers worldwide watched her win medals including gold on the balance beam at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.  The following year, at the age of 17, she became the youngest ever contestant, and subsequently champion, of ABC's 8th season of "Dancing with the Stars".  In 2012, Johnson's second book Winning Balance:  What I've Learned So Far About Love, Faith and Living Your Dreams, was published and quickly became a New York Times Best Seller, then in 2014, she launched TheBodyDepartment.com, a site dedicated to offering an outlet where people can talk about body image, wellness, and fitness in a healthy way.  Shawn is also involved in programs that help build good character amongst youth across the country.  This energetic, talented, and compassionate young woman has the ability to connect with youth, inspiring them to set goals, thrive, and give back to others through service.

Students interested in attending the Youth Summit are required to submit an application and guardian permission forms in advance.  Applications may be submitted online by clicking here.  Applications must be received by Wednesday, February 17, 2016.  For additional information, call Kristin Tignac, Youth Council Coordinator, at (805) 583-6766.  Space is limited to the first 170 students, so register early!