Heritage Elementary Leadership Academy
A Lesson in Leadership
On July 30, 2009, thirty children sat quietly with their hands in their laps and huge smiles on their faces in the Heritage Elementary School auditorium. Why were they so quiet? Because sometimes that is what leaders have to do.
That day, the children each earned a diploma and trophy for completing Heritage’s Pioneer Leadership Academy. They also received hardy praise from one of Virginia’s leaders – Republican Senator Steve Newman. Every year, teachers of rising third, fourth and fifth graders identify students in their class they believe hold leadership potential. Those students are offered the opportunity to be a part of the school’s summer leadership academy free of charge.
Once a student accepts the offer to attend the academy he or she begins a unique summer journey. That journey provides each student the opportunity for hands on learning to prepare for next year’s SOLs in reading and math. This year the students participated in the ROPES course at Lynchburg College, went to the Safari Park for an up-close look at animals, toured Virginia’s Capitol building in Richmond, searched for precious stones at a nearby gem mine and took a boat ride on the Virginia Dare at Smith Mountain Lake. During the academy students focused on responsibility, being a role model for other students, and achieving their personal best.
At the conclusion of this year’s academy the children were prepared to be role models for their classmates in the coming year. Their potential for leadership had blossomed into a reality.
