Smithfield’s DeBerry to attend national leadership summit July 22-27

Donnie DeBerry, a rising senior at Smithfield High School, will attend a July 22-27 national leadership summit in Washington, D.C. as one of this year’s Bank of America student leaders.

Celebrating its 20 th anniversary this year, the Student Leaders program annually connects 300 community-minded high school juniors and seniors from nearly 100 communities to employment, skills development and service through a paid summer internship.

As part of this internship, DeBerry will work closely with Boys and Girls Club Southeast Virginia, serving as Program Aide at the Suffolk Club. He will assist with core program areas for children such as education, career development, and life skills. He will also attend board meetings, help with fundraising efforts and assist with program execution. Student leaders will have the opportunity to network, share their diverse stories, and gain new perspectives on issues in their communities.

DeBerry is the lead volunteer in the Beta Club at his school and serves as president of NXT Up, a club dedicated to serving underprivileged children in the area by teaching conflict management. DeBerry is also involved with the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Student Leadership Program, where he participates in leadership development and ethics classes. DeBerry also tutors elementary school students.

In addition to the eight-week paid internship, the student leaders participate in the Washington, D.C. national leadership summit to see how nonprofits, governments, and businesses collaborate to meet local needs and receive financial education throughout the program. They also network with other student leaders from across the United States.