The 9th annual Elementary Leadership Summit took place on Friday, November 21, at Westerville South High School. More than 140 third, fourth and fifth grade students from all Westerville elementary schools were in attendance. Attendees were selected based on essays they submitted earlier in the school year.
Leadership participants spent the day learning about the characteristics that make a good leader and completing team building exercises. Community volunteers and Westerville South High School student leaders assisted the children with the day’s events. “It was a life changing experience. Getting to work with so many different personalities and kids made me realize how important it is to be a role model for other students,” said Lauren Quinones, a Westerville South junior. “It was such a good way to make friends and learn new things. I’m so glad I was able to be there.”
Guest speaker Eric Ongaro, Chief Financial Officer of Raising Cane’s Ohio Limited, spoke to the pupils about why leadership is so important and the need to have strong leaders in society. Kylie Salvadore, firefighter for the Columbus Division of Fire, talked about the necessity of functioning as a team and being trustworthy. Nate LeGros, performer and owner of the Magic Nate Show, engaged the youngsters during his magic performance. All three guest speakers are graduates of the Westerville City Schools.
The day concluded with a leadership pep rally led by members of the Westerville South High School band and cheerleaders.
Participants of the Leadership Summit will work with advisors at their building on a service project that benefits their school or the larger community. In the spring, the students will convene and share the results of their project. “I am so excited to see the projects that the students complete this year,” stated co-chair Juliet Peoples, Coordinator of State and Federal Programs.
The Leadership Summit was made possible through donations from HR Imaging Partners, Inc. and i9 Sports.