A group of young leaders from John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School stepped to the stage at the Sept. 10 Board of Education to give their own perspective on leadership. 

Joined by Principal Danica Brugge and Assistant Principal Kevin McElroy, nine fifth and sixth grade representatives presented “Leadership Through Our Eyes.” They spoke about the leadership roles they take on within the school and how their roles as student leaders is helping them develop lifelong skills.  

During their presentation, students shared the characteristics they associated with leadership and used that to come up with their own statement: “Leadership means taking responsibility for your actions, helping and listening to others, and working together to make things better.” 

The young leaders discussed opportunities to step as leaders both in school and at home. Some of the ways they take on leadership roles at school include classroom jobs, kindergarten buddies, student council and student safety voices. They also shared their vision for new leadership roles they hope to establish. The creation of a student leadership team, with weekly meetings, aims to elevate student voice, identify areas of improvement and put their ideas into action.