Lorena Knox, a ninth-grade student at Indian Lake High School, has been making waves through her involvement in youth leadership programs with Envision WorldStrides.
Lorena’s journey began in seventh grade when her science teacher nominated her for a prestigious youth leadership program in Washington, D.C. After discussing the opportunity with her mother and raising the necessary funds, Lorena attended the program. One of her favorite experiences was visiting Arlington Cemetery, which left a lasting impression and sparked her interest in history and leadership.
In eighth grade, Lorena received another invitation to return to the program, this time in Boston. Once again, she and her mother collaborated to raise funds. During this trip, one of the highlights for Lorena was visiting Salem, where she explored the graveyard associated with the infamous Salem witch trials. It was particularly striking for her to learn that John Proctor, a notable figure from that era, was executed on her birthday, August 19, 1692. Additionally, Lorena made a meaningful friendship with a fellow participant who also hails from Ohio.
Following her second trip, Envision WorldStrides reached out to Lorena with an opportunity to become an Ambassador. In this role, she will recruit fellow young leaders, enhance her leadership skills, and connect with peers from diverse backgrounds. Eager to share her story, Lorena hopes to inspire more young people to get involved in similar programs.
Recently, she was invited to return to Washington, D.C., for a national security youth leadership program, an opportunity she is looking forward to as she continues to develop her skills as a future leader.
