Student leaders were given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to go to Disney World for leadership training in the parks. Students from Student Council, Character Counts, doChange Peer Mentoring and others known for being leaders in the school were asked to attend. A total of 38 students went on the trip, along with five adults in the building.
The trip consisted of two travel days spent on the bus and 4 days in the parks. Students went to Magic Kingdom for park one, Epcot for park two, Hollywood Studios for park three and Animal Kingdom for park four. A leadership training was held in Epcot, and a teamwork training was held in Hollywood Studios. Junior Reese Purcell said, “I like the leadership training because the exercises simulate real life and we got to use the five pillars of leadership.” In the trainings, the participants learned about different types of leaders, the different leadership styles and the fundamentals of a team and how they must work together for a common goal. Junior Eugenia Craig added, “I learned the different types of leadership and how we see them all around. I also learned about the 5 keys of being a leader safety, curtesy, show, efficiency, and inclusion.”
Not only did students gain new skills, but they also had a little fun between riding the rides and eating all the snacks. Senior Giana Chiaventone said, “A favorite memory of mine was hanging out with a bunch of kids I’ve never talked to from school.” Students also developed meaningful bonds with several of the chaperones. As Chiaventone noted, “I enjoyed getting to spend time with Jenny (Rios).”
Overall, students had a blast learning new skills and getting to play in the Disney Parks just like they were little kids again. If this trip interests you, join a leadership club in the school, and maybe this can be you in a few years.