This school year, Bennett Elementary counselor Kerry Stamps, and Communities In Schools Coordinator Charlene Gee, teamed up to launch a new club called Lead to Succeed. The club brings together students with strong leadership potential for a series of after-school meetings focused on recognizing and developing their leadership skills.
Approximately 50 students in 3rd-5th grade were recommended by their teachers for the club based on the leadership qualities they’ve demonstrated in the classroom. During their meetings, the students enjoyed a variety of presentations from professionals who shared their experiences and insights into what makes strong leaders.
To kick things off, Head Athletic Trainer Dustin Rush and the Frenship High School athletic trainers led a hands-on session about dependability and the essential role trainers play in supporting athletes. Students explored equipment and practiced job duties, gaining a better understanding of leadership in sports medicine. Later, Coach Lisa Ribuado introduced a calming yoga and mindfulness activity, teaching students how self-care, relaxation, and emotional regulation contribute to effective leadership.
The club also welcomed a range of professionals who brought leadership lessons from their own fields. Dr. Michael Dyal, a local dentist, talked about oral health, managing a dental practice, and the importance of education and training in any career. Each student received a dental hygiene goodie bag to take home.
Wolfforth Fire & EMS presented a lesson on hands-free CPR, offering students the chance to practice life-saving techniques and explore the leadership roles of first responders. Madison Hartin from KLBK shared her experience in news media and weather reporting, giving students the exciting opportunity to step into the spotlight and present their own weather reports.
Later in the year, Raylee Davis from South Plains Service Dogs introduced students to two of her former trainees, Sirius, a service dog, and Peanut, a therapy dog. She explained the leadership and responsibility involved in training service animals and how these dogs make a difference in people’s lives.
Wrapping up the speaker series, members of the Wolfforth Police Department, military personnel, and Frenship ISD police officers visited to talk about leadership as public servants. They shared stories of their training, schooling, and experiences in law enforcement and the military. Wolfforth Police Officer Castillo even treated students to a live K9 demonstration with Myra, highlighting the discipline and teamwork required in their important work.
In addition to attending presentations, students participated in several service projects throughout the year, including creating perfect attendance locker tags, writing thank-you notes and encouraging letters, and collecting items to help those in need.
Stamps explained that the Lead to Succeed club was created to help students develop leadership qualities they might not typically have the chance to explore. With a diverse mix of students, each with unique talents, interests, and abilities, the club fosters a collaborative environment where students can learn from one another.
“Our goal was to provide an opportunity to show students how to be a good leader, good citizen, and hopefully leave the world a better place one day,” said Stamps. “All students need to know that someone believes in them, wants them to succeed, and is willing to go the extra mile to give them the opportunity to hone their leadership skills.”
The Lead to Succeed Club aims to continue growing each year, providing more students with the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and prepare for the future. By offering a platform to learn from community leaders and engage in hands-on service projects, the club is helping to shape the next generation of strong, capable leaders who will make a positive impact on the world around them.