What happens when high school student leaders are given the chance to inspire others?

At Turner USD 202, it looks like a room full of change-makers and community building. This past March, leadership was on full display as the Turner High School Student Council hosted elementary student council leaders from all four elementary buildings. The room was filled with students who had never met but shared a common mission: a desire to serve as leaders within their schools.

Bringing Leadership Home

As members of Student Council, high school students often attend leadership conferences with other school districts. While those experiences leave them feeling inspired, they wanted the opportunity to bring that same excitement back to USD 202 and create something meaningful for younger students. Ultimately, the high school leaders wanted to use the skills they had developed to make an impact on the next generation of leaders.

This meant inspiring elementary students to continue leading within their schools and envision what leadership could look like in the future. The outcome was an event planned entirely by high school students, focused on empowerment to our youth.

Inside the LEAD Summit

The theme of the event was “LEAD.” Each high school senior leader and their group were responsible for presenting a word that reflected the qualities of a strong leader. The focus words of the day were Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, and Dreams, with each topic paired with its own interactive activity designed to encourage teamwork along with personal growth.

The morning began with a “getting to know you” activity. Students were given a challenge sheet that encouraged them to meet someone new.

Even Superintendent Dr. Jason Dandoy joined in after a fourth-grade student challenged him to do pushups! The activity worked wonders. What started as a quiet room quickly transformed into one filled with excitement, conversation, and students confidently connecting with new faces.

“This will be beneficial when they move on to Sixth Grade Academy and recognize familiar faces. I also think it highlights what a strong and connected community Turner truly is,” shared Lexi Furminger, Oak Grove Elementary StuCo Sponsor.

Building Community Through Collaboration

A major focus of the summit was demonstrating how strong leaders build community through collaboration. The groups partnered with representatives from various activities, clubs, and athletic programs throughout Turner High School to show the many ways students can get involved.

Students emphasized that academics come first and that leadership begins with working hard and setting a positive example inside and outside the classroom.

One highlight of the day was a partnership with the school’s pep club, Claw Crew. Alongside sponsor Ms. Devine, students led energizing games, team-building activities, and school chants that showcased the role of school spirit in creating a connected school environment.

“They enjoyed the team building activities in the gym. Working together with people they didn't know was a little intimidating but oh so fun!” said Jan Carder, Midland Trail Elementary StuCo Sponsor.

Toward the end of the summit, the high school students hosted a panel where they shared what it means to be a leader. The elementary students then had the opportunity to ask questions and meet high school role models they hope to become one day.

Through those conversations, students learned more about the activities and sports they may want to participate in when they become secondary students.

The final activity was a tour of the high school, which most of them mentioned was the most exciting part to see!

“I think it’s so important for them to hear from older students about the amazing opportunities they can have in the future,” said Furminger.

As the day came to a close, it was clear that leadership was more than just a word - it was the spark that connected these young leaders. They left with new friendships, a vision for the future, and the confidence to lead in their own schools.

“The highlight for me as a student was the activities and meeting other people because they were fun and I enjoyed it,” said Riley Frye, fifth grade student at Junction Elementary.

For senior Aaron Granados, the most meaningful part of the experience was the opportunity to make an impact on the younger students.

Reflecting on the day, he shared that what he found most inspiring was “becoming a memory for many kids and possibly even someone to look up to.”

His words capture the heart of the LEAD Summit’s purpose: to create connections, inspire future leaders, and showing others that they, too, have the potential to make a difference in their schools and communities.

“I learned that it's good to share your thoughts with other people around you,” said Julie Ruiz, fifth grade student at Turner Elementary.