Student Leaders Create New Leaders

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is working with students. Throughout the course of this year I have taught several classes at the elementary and secondary levels, and have worked with an outstanding group of students who serve on the Superintendent’s Advisory Group on Education (SAGE). It is always a good feeling to be recognized by your colleagues and peers for accomplishments and success in the things you strive to do.

Recently I was honored by some of these wonderful students, who recognized me as the recipient of the 2010 Regional Community Leader of Education Award by LEAD UP!, the Midlothian High School Leadership Certificate Program. Two Midlothian High seniors, Khaki LaRiviere and Stacey LaRiviere, created this program that featured leadership training offered by community and business leaders, and small group activities led by students and guest speakers. The training was offered to all students in the school, and after each student attended three training sessions and participated in one community service project, I had the privilege of awarding the students with a certificate of completion.

Here is an excerpt of the invitation to speak at the program.

“During the past two years it has been wonderful getting to know you through the Superintendent’s Advisory Group for Education. Learning about effective student leadership in the Chesterfield County Public Schools inspired Stacey and I to extend that wonderful leadership opportunity to other students. We want every student to have equal access to leadership training that will help prepare them for jobs in the future. Now L.E.A.D. UP! has almost 40 members!”

This program was inspirational in that it was a program created and implemented by student leaders who desired to enable their fellow students to become leaders as well. The program had outstanding topics and speakers, and no doubt participants learned a great deal. I commend our student leaders, Stacey and Khaki, for starting the leadership program – and I am most grateful for their leadership, compassion, empathy and generosity. They are a model for our school division’s core values and service to others.