Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
In the Emerging Leaders class at Jefferson County K-12 (JCS), the students undertake projects that meet existing needs in their school and wider community. Students are put in charge, learning by doing. They lead their middle school peers in taking action that makes a difference to those around them.
In one project, class members joined the school's JROTC unit at the Florida Forest Festival in Perry. Under the direction of Dedric Dawson, who took on the role of Battalion Commander for this class project, the students marched in the festival parade. Class member Vinquez Chambers explained that to prepare for being in the parade, the students dressed alike, got into formation and practiced walking in sync to rhythmic cadences.
Class member Jeanette Arrington added, “I had a panic attack but I powered through it.”
Dawson said it was exciting to have people cheering for you and showing their love for Jefferson.
“We communicated success for our school,” he said.
Because the Emerging Leaders participated in the parade, they were able to enjoy other aspects of the festival as well. Many of them took advantage of the opportunity to visit a booth where if they did 10 push-ups they would win a pair of Army combat pants. Those who did 15 push-ups won $10. They met a number of military veterans and viewed military vehicles and equipment displayed at the festival.
This is just one example of the students learning the dynamics of group leadership and putting their developing leadership skills to work for a real-world event of significance.
Their next project is leading a special program at their school for Veterans Day. Class member Dalanie Butler explains that the class has been planning the program by getting organized into groups to make presentations on different past wars, including World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, invasion of Grenada, invasion of Panama, Iraq War and War in Afghanistan. They have also arranged for four other speeches, the singing of the National Anthem and a military display to be part of the program. Planning, a key leadership skill, will be applied in this project and be transferrable to other projects in the future.
Emerging Leaders is an elective class for middle school students at JCS. Taught by Dr. Kenneth Rosier with Assistant Lead Instructor Tyizanna Floyd, the students will work throughout the year, meeting the course's state standards as they grow into experienced leaders.
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