Students attending the leadership conference include Jeyde Kelly, left, Heath Hopson and Stacey Dickens. Attending the Texas Farm Bureau's 45th annual Youth Leadership Conference at Angelo State University in San Angelo recently were Jeyde Kelly, Heath Hopson and Stacey Dickens.

The Lampasas High School students were sponsored by Lampasas County Farm Bureau. They joined more than 300 high school juniors and seniors from over 150 counties across the state.

Purpose of the conference is to provide the students with a better understanding of their American heritage and the capitalistic free enterprise system, said Barney Groves, president of the Lampasas County Farm Bureau.

Students were welcomed to ASU by a university representative. Afterward, Chad Hymas of Utah, a motivational speaker, talked about setting and achieving goals. Hymas shared his personal message of overcoming adversity.

Jonathan Haralson, TFB field representative, and Emily Alders, 2007 Free Enterprise Speech Contest winner, presented information on Farm Bureau scholarship opportunities.

During the weeklong event, students discussed topics such as the free enterprise system, constitutional government, Americanism, leadership and goal setting. Students are encouraged to meet with school and civic groups upon their return home to share the knowledge they have received.

Dr. Gary Wolfram of Hillsdale College in Michigan, presented sessions on basics of free enterprise, while Ronald Trowbridge, former assistant dean at Hillsdale College, presented two-part sessions on the Constitution. Gary Evans, a registered investment adviser, offered advice on managing money.

In addition, students participated in Congressional Insight, a program that allowed them to simulate a congressional office and election.

At Thursday's banquet, Kenneth Dierschke, Texas Farm Bureau president, offered "Farm Bureau -- Your Host," and Janae Jones, 2007 Miss Texas Farm Bureau, addressed the group.

Students who complete the youth leadership conference and have given a speech on free enterprise to at least five groups have taken the first step toward qualifying for the Free Enterprise Speech Contest, which awards more than $19,000 in scholarships.