Graeson Gleaves, a student from Daphne, will join high-achieving students from across the nation this summer at the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC) at Bentley University in Boston.

This conference, part of the Envision by WorldStrides programs, provides students with an immersive experience to explore academic and career-oriented opportunities according to a news release.

The JrNYLC offers students a chance to engage in hands-on learning, participate in real-world simulations and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. Gleaves, nominated by his math teacher, Melissa Sessions, at Daphne Middle School, is eager to expand his knowledge in both his academic interests and future career goals.

Passionate about music, Gleaves serves as Principal Violist for both the Chambers Orchestra and Eastern Shore Strings. He aspires to join the Mobile Youth Symphony in the coming years. Along with his love for music, Gleaves dreams of becoming an architect, and he looks forward to gaining valuable insights during the conference.

"I am excited for Graeson to meet, work and collaborate with fellow high-aspiring students from other cities and schools," Vice President of Education for Envision Dr. Jan Sikorsky said in the release. "Junior National Young Leaders Conference is a wonderful opportunity for ambitious young students to explore their interests outside the classroom and discover how to innovate and think creatively through hands-on immersive learning. Our students are challenged with real-world simulations and problems, working together to develop unique solutions and projects to bring life to their studies and career interests."

Envision by WorldStrides has empowered exceptional students for over 35 years through programs designed to help them explore careers, discover their passions, and make a positive impact. In 2018, Envision became part of WorldStrides, the largest provider of educational travel and experiences in the U.S. WorldStrides partners with more than 50,000 educators annually, helping over 550,000 students experience the world — and themselves — in new ways.

For more information about Envision's programs, visit www.envisionexperience.com.