About 250 student-athletes from across Suffolk County attended a Section XI Student Leadership Conference at Center Moriches High School on Friday. Students in attendance represented 45 schools.

The event was organized by Center Moriches Athletic Director Jeremy Thode.

“Honored to host and sponsor this worthy conference,” he wrote on social media. “It’s time we listen to our kids and let them use their voices concerning mental health, leadership, connection, sportsmanship, and the resources they need in schools.”

“It was a great day for the 250 student-athletes who attended,” said Section XI Executive Director Tom Combs. “This was a great success and we’re happy about the impact it made.”

Great Student-Athlete Leadership conference today at CM HS!! Student-Athletes from 46 HS gathered together to discuss and hear presentations on Character, Social Media and Mental Health. ⁦@NBHSPrincipals⁩ ⁦@KimSkillen⁩ pic.twitter.com/AJdWAApWAM

— North Babylon Athletics (@NBabAthletics) December 16, 2022

Thank you Jeremy Thode for hosting student athletes from @SCSD_HSW @SCSD_HSE @SmithtownCSD @SectXISuffolk pic.twitter.com/BgIEWXq0rQ

— StownBullsAD (@StownAd) December 16, 2022

Thank you to the 45 @SectXISuffolk High Schools for sending your student athletes, Athletic Directors and other leaders to our first Student Athlete Leadership Conference! #LeadershipMatters pic.twitter.com/NP2veqV9rm

— Dr. Masera (@CMSchools_Super) December 16, 2022