<div>West Milford, NJ – The Passaic County Board of County Commissioners proudly recognizes the 16 high school students who successfully completed the 2024 Passaic County Youth Leadership Retreat. The Retreat, held at Camp Hope in West Milford, NJ, ran from June 30th to July 3rd. This year marks the fourth annual retreat, which continues to grow and inspire a new generation of leaders, demonstrating the importance of resilience, leadership, and community engagement. The Retreat provides an invaluable opportunity for students to develop essential life skills, build connections with peers, and gain insight into leadership principles that will help them make a positive impact on the community. This year’s cohort showcased exceptional dedication and commitment to personal growth throughout the immersive four-day retreat. “We are incredibly proud of these young leaders,” said Passaic County Commissioner Director Bartlett. "Their passion, energy, and commitment to making a difference in our community is truly inspiring. Each of these students has demonstrated that they have what it takes to lead with integrity, creativity, and empathy. As we look toward the future, I am confident that Passaic County is in great hands with this next generation of leaders." Article continues below video<div style="position:relative;width:100%; height:0; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xg0tie1uo5s" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" style="width:100%; height:100%;top:0; left:0; position:absolute"></iframe></div>Commissioner Orlando Cruz also praised the students for their accomplishments, stating, "Watching these young people embrace the challenges and opportunities of leadership has been nothing short of amazing. They are the future of Passaic County, and their success in this program shows their capacity to bring positive change not just to their schools, but to the community at large. Their hard work and growth throughout this retreat are a testament to their potential." This year’s retreat saw significant growth in participation, with 65 applicants—up 30% from the previous year and a 97% increase since the program’s inception in 2021. Of these applicants, 16 were selected to participate, representing a diverse group of students from high schools across the county. The students engaged in a variety of leadership activities, team-building exercises, and workshops designed to enhance their skills and foster personal development. One of the participants, Alexis Smith, a junior at Clifton High School, reflected on her experience: "The retreat has taught me so much about myself and the kind of leader I want to be. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about making decisions, but about listening, understanding, and working together. I feel more confident and ready for my future." As the Youth Leadership Retreat continues to grow and develop, it remains a vital initiative for the Passaic County Board of County Commissioners, helping to foster a sense of responsibility and service among its future leaders. For additional information, please contact the Passaic County Public Information Officer.Media Contact:Lindsay ReedPublic Information Officer, Passaic County </div>

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West Milford, NJ – The Passaic County Board of County Commissioners proudly recognizes the 16 high school students who successfully completed the 2024 Passaic County Youth Leadership Retreat. The Retreat, held at Camp Hope in West Milford, NJ, ran from June 30th to July 3rd. This year marks the fourth annual retreat, which continues to grow and inspire a new generation of leaders, demonstrating the importance of resilience, leadership, and community engagement.