Photo Caption: Hosted by the Office of Access and Diversity, high school and college students attended panel discussions on current topics in public health, legal affairs, athletics and college readiness.

(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Nov. 16, 2012) - - - More than 260 high school and college student leaders from eleven different high schools and Columbia State Community College attended the Student Leadership Institute on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the Columbia campus.

The institute theme was "Student Leaders Preparing for a Longer Life Expectancy," with Keynote Speaker, Katie Kowlaski of KID-FiT Tennessee challenging students to adopt a healthy lifestyle now.

Institute organizer, Christa Martin, noted that the institute had tremendous support not only from the participating high school faculty and counselors but also an outpouring of support from the college faculty and staff.

"We had a wonderful turnout and a wonderful set of presenters," Martin said. "These students represent our future community leaders. The enthusiasm they brought to the institute certainly made it clear to us that they are going to be ready."