For Ryan Tallmadge early November was a time spent learning the inner workings of the United States' government and meeting new people. Ryan, a junior at Manheim Township High School in Lancaster, PA, joined 400 other students from across the country selected to participate in the National Youth Leadership Conference held November 5-10 in Washington, D.C.

Ryan was recommended to attend the conference by local school officials, who based their selection on his leadership potential and scholastic standing. The theme of the conference was "The Leaders of Tomorrow Meeting the Leaders of Today" and the future leaders visited the United States Congress, Supreme Court and met with government officials. In addition to meeting his local congressman, Ryan spent time in the offices of Pennsylvania's United States senators, Rick Santorum and Arlen Specter.

He also participated in a number of skill-building activities, including participation in a "Model Congress" where acting as a United States representative, he addressed the group on proposed legislation.

Michael Lasday, Executive Director of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, the organization that sponsored the event, stated "it's wonderful to see high school students like Ryan Tallmadge seeking out the National Youth Leadership Conference in an effort to learn and take on leadership roles in communities across the country". He added, "that the events of September 11th prompted the urgent need to understand and exercise effective leadership. Those who participate in this program not only gain knowledge and experience in the Nation's capital, they leave with a sense of accomplishment and an increased ability to face the challenges of the future".

Though acknowledging "that they kept us pretty busy and there wasn't a lot of free time", Ryan said the whole experience was "a lot of fun" and that he enjoyed meeting his peers from across the country as they spent time at official gatherings and living in a dorm-like atmosphere.

Back home, in addition to school and a part-time job, Ryan participates in intramural soccer and basketball and "likes to fool around with computers". Determined to pursue a college education, though still uncertain in what field, he hopes to qualify for admission to an Ivy League college.

Ryan is the son of Randy Tallmadge, Wisconsin Dells, WI and Andrea Kranz of Lancaster, PA. He is the grandson of Bernadine and the late Roger Tallmadge, Wisconsin Dells and Jeanne and the late George DeLong , Lancaster, PA.