Millstone Township Middle School eighth-graders Dani Bethencourt, Jessica Parisi and Danielle Klehr were nominated by their school to attend the People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C. MILLSTONE — They came home with a new perspective on the importance of informed and passionate world leaders.

Millstone Township Middle School eighth-graders Dani Bethencourt, Jessica Parisi and Danielle Klehr recently returned from the nation's capital where they attended the People to People World Leadership Forum. There, they collaborated with students from around the globe in activities aimed at developing their leadership skills and capabilities.

Dani, Jessica and Danielle also had the opportunities to tour Capital Hill and roam the corridors of some of the 19 museums in the Smithsonian Institution during the forum. They explored the National Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum and the International Spy Museum.

The delegates also took side trips to Virginia and Pennsylvania. In Virginia, the young women visited the reconstructed colonial towns of Jamestown and Williamsburg. In Pennsylvania, they went to Gettysburg where they learned about the Civil War and walked through the home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, founder of the People to People Program.

Eisenhower founded the People to People Program in 1956 as part of the U.S. Information Agency and then privatized the program in 1961 as a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization based out of Missouri called People to People International. The purpose of the organization is to enhance international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences among peoples of different countries and diverse cultures.

During the program's World Leadership Forum, Dani, Jessica and Danielle were encouraged to make friends with other young leaders from all over the world while learn- ing about America's history and how past world leaders influenced others and shaped world events. The girls also attended handson workshops and lectures given by some of today's leaders, including members of the U.S. Congress.

Dani, Jessica and Danielle returned from their trip having formed lasting friendships with students from Africa, England and Singapore. The forum also contributed to molding their perspectives on individual and shared responsibilities, global leadership and cultural diversity, and helped enhance their skills and self-confidence.

Jessica said she came home inspired.

"An astronaut talked to us and told us never to give up and that you can do anything, even if people say you can't," Jessica said.

Danielle said a senator changed the way she thinks about the American government.

"One senator said the government was created to help us, not just to govern us," Danielle said. "We tell the government what to do. It's not the other way around."

Dani said the trip helped her gain confidence and independence.

"When you are by yourself, you find out more about yourself," she said.

All of the girls said they returned with a sense that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.

"You come home feeling like you can be the next president," Danielle said.

Millstone Township Middle School Guidance Counselor Katie Coffey nominated the three eighth-graders to attend the forum based on the leadership roles they have taken in the school. She said all three eight-graders served as "big sisters" to sixth-grade girls, helping them develop social and life skills throughout the school year.

Dani is a member of the Student Council and the Girl Scouts. She participates in basketball, track and cross-country.

Jessica is a member of the Student Council and the art and drama clubs. She participates in field hockey.

Danielle is a member of the Student Council and the art and yearbook clubs. She participates in soccer, basketball and track.