Five standout Westminster High School students learned how to become better leaders while attending CASB Student Leadership Academy at the Colorado Association of School Board annual meeting in Colorado Springs.

 

It was an ideal opportunity for students to engage in leadership development and bring their skills back to their community. Anna Lopez, Kimberly Garcia Lopez, Ida McCoy, Blake Johnson, and Carlos Sisneros spent two days working with students and Board of Education members from around the state in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 

“Mission Accomplished” was the title of the conference, which the students said was well worth their time.

 

“I found that the breakout tables with Board members from other districts opened my eyes to a lot that could improve my own district,” said Anna. “The workshops that other students designed were fun and interactive, bringing attention to how we as students should approach and communicate with our boards to address problems in our districts."

 

Blake walked away with a new perspective, realizing every school and district is different. “The conference taught me so many things about how to treat people and how to show how everyone matters in this world. I also got to experience how different school districts function by having four-day weeks, high schoolers having recess, and having each class every day."

 

Carlos called the conference an eye-opener. “I really loved the part when the artist came out and talked about mental health. I believe that it would have a major impact on the students of Westminster High School.“

 

Kimberly agreed. “I really enjoyed it! I learned that many people don't have as many opportunities at their schools, so it made me realize how many things our school has to offer."

 

Superintendent Jeni Gotto, who also attended the conference, said getting students into the conference, which has a limited number of spaces, has been a long-term goal for the district.

 

Clearly, it was a ‘mission accomplished’ for WPS on many fronts.