LEADERSHIP: “The Student Role”
On Monday, April 29th, Shelbyville Schools Superintendent, Denise Bence, addressed Main Street School regarding LEADERSHIP.
Superintendent Bence began with a discussion with a few focus questions. She asked the students for examples of leaders. The student responses varied from Donald Trump to Rosa Parks. Students also mentioned Mr. Scott & even a few of their student peers. I got goose bumps when students were identifying their peers as leaders. Mrs. Bence also highlighted females as leaders. This was an important component of the message: females can be strong independent leaders. I have a young daughter & I want all of our young females thinking to themselves, “I can be a leader; I can do this too.”
Students had a lot to say when asked, “What qualities do great leaders have & what do leaders actually do?” Students mentioned “treating others the way you want to be treated” & “making the right decision even when it is hard.” Students also discussed the character traits focus from the school year: self-control, optimism, kindness, grit, etc…
Mrs. Bence then discussed a few famous examples such as Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr. & Mother Teresa. This discussion had a lot to do with being brave and committed to what is right.
The students were then exposed to a “Kid President” YouTube video discussing amazing leadership and the student role. This led to Mrs. Bence stating that “anyone can be a leader as long as they are willing to help make their school and community a better place.”
Mrs. Bence also discussed the difference between a “Leader” & a “Boss.” “Leaders” listen first and share credit and work with a TEAM. They are always learning, admit mistakes and earn respect. Mrs. Bence said, “There is a leader inside us all.” She ended with a quote from John Quincy Adams, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more & become more, you are a leader.”
I ended with an acknowledgement that the students have a role in this school. We have to make sure they have strategies and know how to lead & have “the green light.”
We are a TEAM & we take care of each other! “Be Nice; Work Hard”
I would like to close with thanking Superintendent Denise Bence for her Leadership. She has served the Shelbyville Schools & Community passionately & I have benefited greatly from her example and support.