Science teacher Lyndsey Manzo challenges students to work together to build a table out of paper, cardboard, and masking tape.
The 10th annual Elementary Leadership Summit occurred on Friday, May 13, at Westerville North High School. More than 140 third, fourth and fifth grade students from all Westerville elementary schools were in attendance. Participants completed leadership and team building exercises, and shared the outcomes of their building community service projects. Westerville North High School student leaders assisted children with the day’s events.
Members of Westerville North’s Warrior Way Leadership Team and Honors Physics classes, led by science teacher Lyndsey Manzo, teamed up with elementary students to complete a design challenge and competition. Teams were charged with using only one piece of cardboard, 12 pieces of paper, and three feet of masking tape to make a table that would hold as many textbooks as possible. Two teams constructed tables strong enough to hold 12 textbooks, and tied for first place. The design challenge allowed students to see that creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration are crucial elements to being strong leaders.
Guest speaker Ty Bealer, a senior, spoke to students about making commitments and following through. Bealer has participated in volleyball and soccer while maintaining above a 4.0 grade point average. In the fall, he plans to attend the University of Cincinnati.
The presidents of the The Ohio State University band fraternities, Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma were also on hand to discuss servant leadership and giving back to the community.
Graduates of the Leadership summit will continue to provide leadership at the building level.