News Summary
Five Maryville Middle School students recently participated in the Missouri Capitol Education Advocacy Day, showcasing their leadership skills. Selected through a competitive process, these students represented their school’s ‘Leader in Me’ program, engaging with legislators and observing the legislative process. Their experience included discussions about education policies and exploring the historic Capitol building, ultimately highlighting their growth as young leaders and active advocates for their education.
Maryville Middle School Students Shine at Missouri Capitol Education Advocacy Day
In a thrilling adventure just a few weeks ago, five students from Maryville Middle School embarked on their first overnight school trip to the stunning Jefferson City, Missouri. This was no ordinary trip; these young leaders represented their school’s innovative “Leader in Me” program at a prestigious event organized by the Missouri School Boards’ Association. It’s not every day that middle school students get to showcase their talents and perspectives at the Capitol, and the excitement in the air was palpable!
An Invitation to Shine
The journey began with an invitation extended to the school last October after a successful presentation in Kansas City. Only about a dozen schools were selected for this *high-profile* event, making the experience all the more exclusive and special. The day of the event, which occurred on March 11, was a fantastic opportunity for the students to delve into the inner workings of government while advocating for their education and leadership program.
Diving into Leadership
Among the brave representatives were eighth graders Hannah Steffen, Emily Bax, Henley Kendrick, Colt Dew, and seventh grader Collin Hoffmann. These students, who are active members of the MMS Student Lighthouse, took their roles seriously as they engaged with legislators and shared insights about the factors that contribute to their development as young leaders. The *Leader in Me* program focuses on promoting essential leadership skills, and this was their chance to put those skills to the test in a real-world setting.
A Day of Learning and Exploration
While they were there, the delegation had the invaluable experience of listening to a hearing related to the repeal of Proposition A. Observing the legislative process firsthand provided these students with a deeper understanding of how education policies are shaped and developed. They were also given the chance to explore the historic Capitol building itself, which included a breathtaking visit to the whispering gallery of the dome, as well as a chance to take in the view from high above the ground. What an adventure!
Voices of the Future
Throughout the event, Principal Kate Lydon beamed with pride as she noted the profound growth in her students’ ability to communicate with adults about their personal educational journeys. It’s clear that the experiences gained through the *Leader in Me* curriculum equipped these young advocates with essential soft skills. They were not just talking points in a presentation; they were *genuine voices* expressing their thoughts, questions, and insights with confidence.
Reflections from the Adventure
Reflecting on the experience, students expressed how meaningful it was to represent their school and participate in such important discussions. Hannah particularly noted the sense of responsibility she felt during the event, which allowed her to show a level of maturity and respect towards others. This feeling rippled throughout the group, with Colt sharing his newfound interest in a high school program for budding firefighters after attending the event. Meanwhile, Collin appreciated the opportunity to learn about various programs other schools were promoting, and Henley couldn’t help but be captivated by the architectural beauty of the Capitol itself.
A Trip to Remember
Overall, this first overnight trip was not just about the *Leader in Me* program. It was a chance for students to bond, grow, and share their experiences in a setting that truly fostered learning and exploration. The pride they felt representing their school and program was evident, making this trip a memorable chapter in their educational journey. For these students from Maryville Middle School, the skies are the limit—and they are just getting started!
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Additional Resources
- Maryville Forum
- Wikipedia: Leadership
- Nodaway News
- Google Search: education advocacy
- The Daily Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Nodaway News – New Principal
- Google News: Maryville Middle School
