Record 400-plus students attend More Than a Princess girls' empowerment conference
Published November 13, 2026
More than 400 students from grades 5-12 in Newport News Public Schools participated in the 7th annual More Than A Princess Girls’ Empowerment Conference on November 7 at Heritage High School. NNPS Youth Development organized and hosted the event, which was themed “Authentically Me!” this year.
Twenty-three presenters offered sessions on positive self-image, relationships, mental health, entrepreneurship and leadership.
Dr. Lori Hayes, founder Army of Leaders, delivered a dynamic and powerful keynote message.
Miss Virginia Preteen Lauron Dula and Miss Virginia Beach Jr. Teen Olivia Champagne co-presented on leadership, while among several student presenters were a group of Ella Fitzgerald Middle School students who presented on relationships.
To cap off the day, fifth grade students had a rally with dancing and friendship, while students in grades six through twelve participated in a rally in the gym with a DJ and interactive activities such as cupcake decorating, painting and jewelry making.
The conference, which was open to students from all 40 schools, was sponsored by BayPort Credit Union.
