Preparing to Lead the Way

Leadership is the cog that makes for successful businesses, teams, friendships, government and organizations. While not everyone is a born leader, with the right direction, many are surprised to learn they can harness leadership qualities they never knew they had. Open to grades 9 through 12 at Bonners Ferry High School and required for the five class officers in each grade, Leadership is a course designed around emphasizing basic skills crucial for success as a teen and adult, including problem solving, team building, project management and servant leadership. The class goes beyond the cliché of lead by example and is an opportunity for personal growth, community involvement and school improvement.

Part of school improvement is giving back to the community that supports these high schoolers. During the annual Moose Madness spirit rivalry with Sandpoint High School, students in Leadership class held a fundraiser and chose to support the local Wounded Warrior Project.

“We chose the Wounded Warrior Project because we wanted to show our appreciation for the men and women from our community that have served in the military,” said senior and Vice President Aaliyah Zarate.

“We wanted to give back to the many veterans and their families in our community. They have a special place in our humble community and an even bigger place in our hearts” echoed senior Wyatt Bennett.

To raise funds, Leadership classmates put on spirit assemblies to motivate the student body. A penny drive was launched with the winners receiving a pizza party. A student body of just 454 students raised over $4,000 for the cause.

“Conrad Garner initially gave the Leadership students the idea of choosing the Wounded Warrior Project for our Moose Madness fundraising effort,” said Principal Tim Gering. “Everyone liked the thought of putting our money to such a great cause, and the money we raised for the Wounded Warrior Project will benefit the northwest region's veterans.”

The advisor for the Leadership class is Tess Nix. Nix has the privilege of watching students from each grade level progress with their leadership skills. “The class itself is held during the regular school day as an elective course and covers the philosophy and logistics of leadership and management in addition to hands-on management of many school and community events and activities,” said Nix.

While it might seem that any student elected as a class officer would be fired up to join the class, that might not always be the case. Junior Elisabeth Cowley recalls her first couple days in the environment. “I was a little worried when first signing up because I'm a shy person. Once I became comfortable, my leadership skills started developing. One time, a fellow member was gone, and I had to be leader of my officer group for the week; my leadership skills grew two times that week! My leadership skills have grown so much this year, and the year isn't even over, so I'm looking forward to the rest of the year,” said Elisabeth.

Outside of the annual Moose Madness fundraiser, students put on several other drives and events. Every year during Thanksgiving time, the student council puts on a food drive for the local food bank. They also coordinate two blood drives every year with the Inland Northwest Blood Center. In addition, the Bonners Ferry High School chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) also conducts food drives during the holiday season. They collected food during both the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons this year.

Part of the course description for Leadership class reads; “Students will take an active and visible role in the BFHS community promoting a positive school climate; supporting all academics, athletics, arts, and activities on campus; enhancing the community and school through service projects; and working to solve problems within the school and community.”

Each class member takes the lead on different projects and is responsible for the outcome. It’s a lot to put on the shoulders of teenagers, but it’s evident that the class is having an impact in their lives.

“I have learned how to work with a diverse group of people and how to handle situations where people have different views than I do,” said Aaliyah.

“I will use my ability to communicate with a diverse array of people; this is especially useful in a global market in which one must interact with a multitude of different humans,” said Wyatt.

“Communication is the first skill that I will apply after graduation. You have to be able to communicate with your fellow peers and the student body. Communication is what leadership is all about. Second, you have to be able to adjust to obstacles and work your way around them,” said Elisabeth.

It’s impossible to tell what and where each of these students will be doing in the next 5, 10, 30 years (think back to your plans at 18!). Some will stay and perhaps become business owners or community leaders. Others might move away from their native Idaho but bring their roots with them. No matter where they end up, prepping for taking a leadership role in life will help them through work, home, struggles and triumph.

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