04/22/2026
Check out Jessica Barnett's, one of our Standout mentors', perspective on the event.
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This past weekend I volunteered at St. Pete Standout, a youth leadership event created by Christine Laurenzi, founder of Indi-ED.
The event brought together students aged 11 to 17 years old, from 4th through 12th grade, for a full day of leadership challenges, communication practice, and competition.
Christine was inspired by other student leadership events she'd seen before, but she wanted to create something different in tone: more positive, encouraging, and growth-oriented. Still challenging, but not cutthroat. Designed to help students stretch and shine rather than just get stressed out.
A few moments I’m still thinking about...
One student had mapped out this huge path from the Marines to medicine to NASA, and was already thinking in terms of physical and mental conditioning.
Another was building an AI-powered alternative to Bloomberg Terminal and already had a daily iteration rhythm with multiple tools. As a high school sophomore!
Another was trying to get environmental legislation passed.
Another wanted to create a manga and already had a title, a concept, and a process for developing the characters.
Another simply wanted to stop taking anger out on other people.
That mix of ambition, self-awareness, creativity, and heart was honestly kind of incredible to witness. Kids are so much more insightful than adults often give them credit for.
St. Pete Standout was a huge success, and they are already planning to do it again next year. If you know a young person who would benefit from something like this, keep it on your radar!
And if you ever get the chance to support an event like this, do it. It was energizing, thoughtful, and honestly pretty moving to spend a day with so many bright young people trying hard, reflecting in real time, and showing courage in front of rooms full of adults.
This past weekend I volunteered at St. Pete Standout, a youth leadership event created by Christine Laurenzi, founder of Indi-ED.