Student leaders at Teravista Elementary School hosted more than 240 community members at the campus’ Leadership Day, held in February.
The students gave tours to visitors and explained how The Leader in Me program affects their daily lives both academically and personally. Elected officials, business leaders, parents, District personnel and educators from around Central Texas were among the guests.
The Leader in Me program is based on the book by Stephen Covey, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” and adapted in order to transform the school into a place that fosters leadership development.
Jack Bell, a fifth-grade student at Teravista, said he enjoyed sharing his knowledge about the seven habits with the tour groups and was excited to have the opportunity to emcee the final presentation in the cafeteria.
“I really enjoyed sharing with all of the adults what the habits are and how important they are here at Teravista,” Jack said. “My favorite habit is ‘Sharpening the Saw,’ which means finding balance and time to relax. I like it because sometimes I just like to let loose and ride my bike.”
For their implementation of the Leader in Me program, Teravista Elementary earned the coveted Lighthouse School designation from the Franklin Covey Institute.
Teravista is the first school in the Austin area and only the seventh in Texas to reach this Lighthouse School status.
Because they are a Leader in Me campus, Teravista embeds the seven habits into learning every day. Students and staff practice leadership skills through universal principles, take action toward goals and work with others to attain those goals. Students also have many opportunities to practice the art of shaking hands, engaging adults in appropriate conversation and speaking in public.
Fifth-grade student Morgan Go was also an emcee for the final showcase. Morgan said she was proud of how it seemed every student and staff member seemed to work together to make the day a success from the organization of tours to the video presentations made by students to explain the seven habits.
“We used a lot of synergy to make the day happen,” Morgan said. “Synergy is my favorite habit because working together is more fun than working alone and we contribute something greater than just one person could do. By teaching others about the seven habits, we are creating an endless cycle of positivity.”
Principal Michael Wakefield said he is proud of the work the staff and students are doing at Teravista to develop future community leaders.
