In mid-August members of Gunston’s Student Government Association and the Green & White Team Captains spent two days with administrators and faculty learning to become effective and productive leaders. Day one focused on identifying and developing a personal leadership style, establishing goals for oneself and the team, and preparing to introduce our freshman to the Gunston culture during the Freshman Retreat. Program elements included leadership seminars, hands-on activities, breakout planning sessions, and ample time for conversation and sharing of ideas to reinforce and enhance our school community. Facilitating the second day was Michael Weber of Southwestern Consulting. Through highly engaging and interactive group activities, Mr.Weber taught students and faculty alike how to build their interpersonal skills, to communicate effectively, and how to be resilient in challenging times. All participants found the experience to be thought provoking, meaningful, and fun.
The annual Student Leadership Institute supports Gunston’s mission and philosophy, which states “We believe that leadership is a skill that can be learned by every person. Through opportunities in and outside of the classroom, we seek to develop in each student the skills, vision, self-knowledge, motivation, and sense of responsibility necessary to lead effectively. Our expectation is that Gunston students will serve as positive, just, compassionate, and productive leaders.”
The Institute provided a forum for students and faculty to collaborate on the importance of student leadership and created an pathway for the development of the students’ voice. This group of students came away from the experience understanding their vital role in the Gunston community and the impact that they can have in their future communities.
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