The past couple of weeks, I've told you about students planning to attend various conferences. Here are two more northern Wake students who will broaden their horizons this summer:

* Robert Nelson, a rising seventh-grader at West Millbrook Middle School, was recently selected to attend the Junior National Student Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

* Jake Rennert, a rising eighth-grader at Leesville Road Middle School, was selected to attend the Legislator's School for Youth Leadership Development at East Carolina University in Greenville.

The two students were selected based on their academic achievements and leadership abilities. Both conferences are this month.

As part of Robert's program choice -- diplomacy and the world -- he will tour the Pentagon and attend a wreath-laying ceremony. He will also attend workshops and classes that focus on decision-making skills, critical thinking and communicating effectively.

Jake's program will focus on developing leadership skills framed around the popular book by Stephen R. Covey, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and his son Sean Covey's book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens." Jake will complete a two-day outdoor challenge program and participate in community service. He will also have to develop an action plan at Leesville or in the community.

For more information about the conferences, visit www.jnslc.org or www.coe.ecu.edu/legsch

Interested in becoming a mentor?

The Wake County School System's MentorWake is a one-on-one program serving fourth- through eighth-graders.

Mentors should commit to a two-year agreement and spend about two hours a week with their mentee.

For more information, visit www.wcpss.net.