A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Gray Middle School student earns trip to Washington, D.C., for national youth leadership forum


By David Kubota
NKyTribune reporter

Novella Rose Marshall, a Gray Middle School student and a native of Union, will take part in the Junior National Youth Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C.

The forum runs June 10-15 and is considered a unique academic and career-oriented development experience for students.

Marshall, 12, was awarded the “Now I Know” student tuition scholarship, due to past and current leadership experience in and beyond the classroom. She was nominated by William Long, her social studies teacher and student council sponsor at Gray Middle School.

As a state finalist for the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education Distinguished Student Award, Marshall was recognized for her achievement in academics, leadership, arts, and also for making a contribution to the community.

Novella Rose Marshall

Marshall was also a member of Kentucky’s All-State Children’s Choir, as well as a part of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. Aside from student government, Marshall enjoys being on the Academic Team, playing the clarinet in the Gray Middle School band, and being in the drama club.

Holding many talents, Marshall’s passion is performing in musicals, both on stage and in the Northern Kentucky community. Last summer in New York City, she performed in an off-Broadway showcase and was selected as one of the 24 nationwide to participate in another showcase in New York City in August.

With the big final goal of being the first female president, Marshall hopes to have a successful Broadway career as a start.

The Junior National Youth Leadership Forum, hosted by Envision, is an opportunity for students to get outside the classroom and learn through hands-on interactive methods.

“These students, who have already proven themselves academically, will be challenged to work on real-world, student-created projects to bring their student and career interests to life,” said Andrew Potter, the chief academic officer for Envision.

Envision programs have served more than 800,000 students in 145 countries since 1985, and they are designed to help students develop career skills needed to succeed beyond the classroom.

Marshall is looking forward to the hands-on leadership experience that the forum will provide.

David Kubota is a Scripps Howard Foundation intern at the NKyTribune this summer. He is a student at the University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media.


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