At Valley Park High School, the Leadership program has grown and evolved over the years. Today, leadership is not just something students talk about. It is something they actively practice every day.
Students in the class regularly step outside the high school building to lead projects and build connections across our One Campus. Throughout the year, leadership students organize and support a wide range of activities that bring energy and encouragement to younger learners.
Some of these initiatives include the Habit the Hawk event with Elementary Specialist Ms. Kulick, helping with the 1 Million Books celebration for kindergarten through second grade and cheering on students during the Hawk Run organized by Coach Menley. Leadership students also help create positive moments through events like High-Five Day with Dr. Burd and the beloved Pumpkin Project, which involves support from teachers across the elementary school.
Students also share their own interests and creativity with younger learners through activities like Hobby Lessons with Mrs. Doerr and Ms. Fox, decorating classrooms during Deck the Desk with the second grade team and celebrating literacy during Read Across America with elementary teachers. They also assist with reading initiatives like If You Give a Kid a Book with first grade and help organize fun spirit events like Cereal Day with Ms. Wirick.
Leadership teacher Gerrie Robards believes these experiences help students understand that leadership is something anyone can grow into.
“Leadership isn’t something reserved for a few students, it’s something every student can learn,” Robards said. “Our program helps students discover their voice, develop their strengths, and use those abilities to make a lasting impact in our school, our community, and beyond.”
For Leadership Intern Kaylie Kearns, the program has made a lasting impact. After completing Leadership I and II, Kaylie now serves in the program’s third level as an intern, helping guide younger students while continuing to grow her own leadership skills.
“Leadership has shaped me into the person I am today,” said Kearns. “It has helped me understand what it truly means to lead with heart and service. I know that the lessons I have learned through this program will stay with me long after I leave VP.”
Fellow leadership intern Gavin Mann says the program has also helped him grow both personally and as a leader.
“Leadership class has strengthened my confidence and pushed me to think about others before myself,” Mann said. “It’s helped me become more aware of how my actions impact others and how to lead with purpose and integrity.”
Through these experiences, Valley Park students are learning that leadership is about service, connection and making a positive impact on others. It is one more example of Limitless Learning in action across our One Community.
Click the photo below to see all of their events!