By Toni Garrard Clay/AISD Communications Coordinator
Mi’Trevion Thompson wanted to do something nice at his school. So the Central Athens Elementary third-grader got his classmates to join him in writing letters of appreciation to each campus staff member, which he then hand-delivered with treats.
“It made me feel happy,” he said. “I wanted to do it because I like being nice to people.”
Mi’Trevion and a handful of other students are participants in the Central Athens Leadership Academy, which was launched this past October.
Principal Shannon Pursley said she has seen huge growth in students who have entered into the program. And best of all, she said, “they’re not just making personal gains, they’re influencing their classmates in positive ways.”
Participants in the leadership academy must first be nominated by a teacher and then chosen after an interview to determine the student’s willingness to complete rigorous requirements. Once selected, a participant graduates after demonstrating their ability to “walk, talk, learn and serve” like a leader.
“That means they have to read and discuss a book on leadership; demonstrate leadership qualities in class and around campus; give handwritten compliments to teachers, staff and peers; memorize a speech about leadership; and design and follow through with a service project on our campus,” explained Assistant Principal Jacob Shirley, who created and oversees the program.
Mi’Trevion and first-grader Khion Brown are both leadership academy graduates, and as graduates, they now serve as mentors to other students working toward the same goal. Academy members meet after lunch each day to talk with Mr. Shirley about one of the four leadership steps and how to act it out in their lives.
“I’ve learned ways to make people happy,” said Khion of his experience with the program.
“I’ve learned when you make mistakes, you can fix them,” said Mi’Trevion.
“We talk about treating others the way you want to be treated,” said third-grader Anthony Rodriguez.
Alyson Arce-Sanchez, a first-grader, said she’s learned how much it can mean to say words like “you are nice to me, and I will treat you nice as well.”
“A student had nobody to play with, so I played with her,” offered first-grader Jailynn Dewberry as an example of what leadership looks like.
As part of their membership in the leadership academy, students have organized read-alouds, started stuffed-animal donation drives, and launched kind letter writing campaigns. Students graduate once they’ve accomplished their goals in each of the four areas. When that happens, their photographs are displayed in the main hallway, and they receive diplomas and special jackets.
“Our goal is to teach real-world leadership skills to our students, such as compassion, empathy and accountability,” said Mr. Shirley. “We’re starting small, and it’s still new, but we’re seeing results.”