INDIANAPOLIS — Students from high schools across Indiana — including Lapel High School — gathered recently at the University of Indianapolis for the 42nd annual Richard G. Lugar Symposium for Tomorrow’s Leaders.

Zoe Freer, Ben Manning and Blaine Teeters, juniors at Lapel, were invited to attend the event Dec. 8.

Former Sen. Richard G. Lugar delivered a keynote address following brief opening ceremonies. Reflecting on his experience with domestic and international affairs, Lugar discussed the role the United States plays in global affairs.

School leaders select three students to attend the symposium.

The event offers students a chance to gain insight from Lugar and explore national and international issues, as well as leadership and community service.

The event also recognized Charles C. Chiang of Zionsville Community High School as this year’s recipient of the Richard G. Lugar Distinguished Student Leadership Award. The $1,000 award recognizes one Indiana high school senior each year for leadership and community service activities.

After two terms as mayor of Indianapolis, Lugar served for 36 years in the U.S. Senate, including leadership roles in the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

He is president of The Lugar Center, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., that explores topics such as global food and energy, security, governance and international aid programs.