How Sweet it is! 🍭
Today, staff began their most exciting, anticipated week of the year and welcomed over 300 delegates to LYS #54! LYS 2024’s Theme: How Sweet It Is!
Staff spent the morning charging toward cars and buses, unloading luggage 🧳 and cheering 📣– all in the hopes that the delegation from across the state, nation and even the world(!) will quickly learn that LYS is the one place they cannot fail.
Delegates were divided into "home groups" where they met their Counselor and Junior Counselor, and ate lunch with their home group members. Meet our staff here 😎
The 2024 Seminar officially kicked off with Opening Convocation where we first experience the power and enthusiasm of LYS. The convocation included welcoming speakers, introduction of the LYS theme song "No Man Is An Island", a wonderful skit by head table, the JC Dance, and much more...
Sunday evening, the delegation has the treat of getting to know each other through Mixer. Led by staffer Alli Desselles, Mixer is a time where the entire delegation gets together and participates in activities where you get to know someone new. They round out their night working on the presentations of their Home Group “Color, Mascot, Symbol and Theme” and preparing for the competitions on Monday. Talk to you tomorrow! Check back in for more pics soon!
SUNDAY sweets 🍭
““When I think of leadership. When I think of community. When I think of what I learned at LYS, the questions and thoughts that come to mind are: If not now, when, If not me, who?””
Dr. Annie Wingate Spell 2024 NO MAN IS AN ISLAND AWARDEE
We are proud to announce Dr. Annie Wingate Spell as the recipient of the 2024 "No Man Is An Island" Award. Established in 2012, this award honors an outstanding delegate alumnus who exemplifies the ideals of LYS. Dr. Spell is being recognized for her exceptional professional accomplishments, overcoming significant challenges, and her unwavering dedication to her community.
"Dr. Annie Wingate Spell embodies the ideals of the 'No Man Is An Island' Award," said Dr. Sonja Pruitt-Lord, Executive Director of LYS. "Her dedication to improving the lives of others, from her groundbreaking research on childhood trauma to her tireless philanthropy and community involvement, serves as a powerful example for all of us. We are proud to honor her contributions and recognize her as an outstanding alumna of LYS."
Dr. Annie Wingate Spell, a native of Lafayette, Louisiana, attended the Louisiana Youth Seminar (LYS) as a delegate in 1996. She graduated from the Academy of Sacred Heart at Grand Coteau and earned a degree in psychology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she was honored as the 2002 Outstanding Graduate. She went on to complete her doctorate in clinical psychology from Louisiana State University in 2007 and earned a master’s degree in psychopharmacology from the California School of Professional Psychology in 2010.
Dr. Spell's research on childhood responses to trauma, particularly after Hurricane Katrina, has been published in various academic journals and a parenting book. She operated a psychological services clinic in Lafayette, specializing in childhood and adolescent care, often providing pro bono services to those in need. In July 2013, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma but achieved remission in January 2014. This experience fueled her dedication to philanthropy, supporting organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Children’s Museum of Acadiana and Hearts of Hope.
Dr. Spell co-chairs the Tides Medical Foundation and has received numerous accolades, including 'Supporter of the Year' by the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana and the Nedra Andrus Lifetime Achievement Award by the Junior League of Lafayette. Above all, Annie values her family, including her husband Joe and their two sons, Foster and Tagg.
Who are those people in the red shirts?
LYS is staffed by volunteer college students and young professionals who work throughout the week of LYS and year-round to implement an incredible week for our delegates. Each “home group” has a Counselor and Junior Counselor who are responsible for that group of delegates for the week. The staff is led by a “head table” of red shirts who support and direct them throughout the week.
Meet the LYS staff here.
PICTURES 📸 FROM 2024 MIXER!
Every day Head Table will award Group of the Day to the group that displays the most spirit, travels the best, and works well together all day. The Group of the Day receives the coveted LYS Flag (you can spot it in pictures throughout the week).
