Bellefontaine Chieftain Leaders Enjoy Training Exercise

An exercise in student leadership was recently on full display at Bellefontaine High School.

Chieftain Leaders took part in a 3 1/2 hour training session in the Distance Learning Center.

The student-led club started the day with a breakout session.

Members sat across from someone they did not know and explained their respective backgrounds.

The club then welcomed two guest speakers.

Citizens Federal Business Development Officer Joenee Purcell discussed the importance of being open-minded. Purcell said seeing another perspective is critical for success in relationships throughout life. She explained how our environment shapes our beliefs. Purcell encouraged each student to explore new environments after high school. Finally, she talked about communication and conflict. There are four keys: seek first to understand, find some common ground, check your emotions, and leaders set the tone.

Robert Reynolds from Mary Rutan Hospital was the second guest speaker. His main topics were being coachable, listening, and communicating. Reynolds noted that every person is superior in some way. He added that you should look for ways to learn from everyone you meet.

The students then worked on a team coaching activity.

Chieftain Leaders was formed last school year. It is comprised of high school leadership clubs, including Leaders in Action, Student Senate, Class Officers, and Logan County Youth Leadership.

It is the largest student-run club at Bellefontaine High School.

The future goals are school involvement, community involvement, and school pride.

Chieftain Leaders has three committees embedded in the club.

The social climate committee focuses on school pride and school spirit. They work to create a fun environment for students.

The goal of the service committee is to give back to the school and the community. They have volunteered at football concessions and Volleybuff. Their future projects are Relay for Life and other fundraising opportunities.

The leadership committee organizes training with four pillars of leadership.

The first pillar is worthy of being followed, based on character, confidence, and attitude.

The next pillar is thinking like a leader by setting goals and being proactive, coachable, and passionate.

The third pillar is acting as a leader through public speaking, collaboration, conversation skills, and responsibility.

The final pillar is sustainable leadership by creating a legacy through commitment and reflection.

The club uses social media to make announcements, market fundraisers, and share events.

You can follow on Instagram and Twitter @leadersbhs or “BHS Chieftain Leaders” on Facebook.

Bellefontaine City Schools offers leadership training for students in each building.

Bellefontaine Elementary School has Chieftain Leaders.

Bellefontaine Intermediate School has the Student Lighthouse Team with Leader in Me.

Bellefontaine Middle School features the Chieftain Pride Ambassadors.

Bellefontaine High School has Chieftain Leaders.