St. Ignatius forms leaders in mind, body & spirit

#TheCatholicDifference

The St. Ignatius Catholic School Leadership Academy is a leadership development program is designed to empower 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become confident and compassionate leaders within their school and local community. This program incorporates both Catholic teachings and leadership principles to foster personal growth, community engagement, and faith-based leadership.

The Leadership Academy begins each year with the Leadership Mass where students pledge to uphold the values of St. Ignatius. 6th grade students and new middle school students receive a blessed pin to adorn their uniforms as an outward sign of their pledge to be exemplary Catholic leaders.

We ask students to accept the call of being a campus leader. Pope Benedict said “We are not meant for comfort, we are meant for greatness.”

Students are adorned with a blessed pin of a dove which represents the Holy Spirit. We encourage student to lean on the Holy Spirit for guidance. Let the dove bring peace to your mind and kindness to your heart. Let this symbol inspire you to be a strong Catholic leader.

 Leadership Academy Pledge

  • As a campus leader I pledge to uphold the mission and vision of St. Ignatius Catholic School.
  • I will honor God, my teachers, my peers, my family and myself.
  • I will treat others and myself with respect.
  • I will help create a team spirit within our school.
  • I will take responsibility for my words and my actions.
  • I pledge to serve our school with pride and loyalty.
  • I pledge to do what is right even when no one is watching.
  • I will lead with integrity.
  • I acknowledge that leadership is not a path to privilege, it is a responsibility.
  • I stand before my peers and vow to do my best to be an exemplary campus leader in mind, body and spirit.

Objectives:

  • Foster Spiritual Growth: Instill a deeper understanding of Catholic values, spirituality, and the importance of service within the students.
  • Develop Leadership Skills: Equip students with essential leadership skills, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making.
  • Promote Service and Compassion: Encourage students to engage in service projects within the school and local community to cultivate empathy and compassion.
  • Build Confidence: Boost students’ self-esteem and confidence through personal development (life skills), public speaking opportunities, teamwork exercises, and leadership roles within the school.
  • Strengthen Character: Emphasize the importance of honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior in leadership roles.

2024-25 Speakers

  • Devon Walsh Hecker: WKRG news anchor. Presentation about image and public speaking. Focus on social media etiquette, eye contact, how to speak to adults and more.  Classroom activity: practice thank you notes.
  • Cam Marston: local author, radio host and keynote speaker. Presentation about workplace trends and expectations. This gives students insight about what is going on in the workforce, and  what are collages looking for and expecting. Classroom activity: produce a resume
  • Kim Garrett:  Victory Health Partners.  Presentation about the importance of public service. This continues the Catholic teaching of service and helping our neighbor and community. Classroom activity: identify needs in the community and solutions to help improve those needs.