Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders in Classrooms Today! Fort Bend ISD introduces new student leadership program

The idea to create the program originated from FBISD Board Members, who wanted to become more involved with students. Board Members will sponsor and attend the student seminars on topics such as personal leadership skills, youth advocacy, service and volunteerism, local government in action, environmental awareness, and healthcare.

“We came up with the idea and presented it to Superintendent Tim Jenney, who agreed that it would greatly benefit our students, having completed a similar program through Leadership Houston,” said Sonal Bhuchar, President of the FBISD Board of Trustees. Bhuchar said the program has a twofold purpose: (1) to allow students from across the district to come together to focus on developing their leadership skills, and (2) to give the Board a mechanism to interact with students from across the district so that they can better understand student needs.

The overall feeling among student participants is one of excitement and pride for being selected to participate in the first leadership class. Zack Raybourn, student representative from Elkins High School, expressed the sentiment of all the students. “I know without a doubt that this well-organized leadership program will provide us with every opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills we learn throughout our community. I am honored to be a part of this great initiative,” said Raybourn.

During their first monthly meeting in November, the students met at Clements High School and participated in a series of ROPES course activities, led by ROPES Course Facilitators Lynda Ruther and Jim Harton. The activities gave students the opportunity to get acquainted with each other, and to learn about their similar interests.

FBISD Board Member, David Reitz, joined the students in the day-long activities as the program sponsor. After introducing himself to the group, Reitz stressed the importance of developing personal leadership skills and reminded students of how those skills relate to various aspects of their lives. He also reminded the students that they will form friendships in the program that will prove beneficial later in life.

“This is a great opportunity for students to get to know their peers from across the district,” Reitz said. “Outside of the program, they will cross paths with each other at some point in time, whether at a district sporting event or later in college. By participating in the leadership program, they are learning that life extends beyond their individual campuses and communities, and that friendships can be made through many avenues.”

At the conclusion of their first seminar, leadership students received their first assignment from Olwen Herron, FBISD Chief Accountability and Organizational Development Officer. She distributed copies of the book, Strengths Finder, by Tom Roth to students and asked them to complete an online assessment from The Gallup Organization to discover their strengths.

Betty Ann Williams, Program Facilitator and PALS/Teen Leadership teacher at Fort Settlement Middle School, led students in a wrap-up session and gave them a preview of their upcoming meeting, which will include a visit to the City of Sugar Land City Hall.

“I am excited about this student leadership program and the tremendous opportunities it will afford our students,” said Williams. “This is a fine group of students who are eager to learn and grow in their roles as citizens in our society. As juniors, they are approaching a pivotal point in their lives where their decisions and actions will make a difference in our world. I couldn't be more proud to have a hand in preparing them for future success,” she said.

The group will meet once each month through April 2009. In May, The Board of Trustees will hold a special recognition ceremony for participants at its regular Business Meeting.