District 5 Students, Educators Learn Leadership Skills at Disney World Summer Program

Submitted by Lexington-Richland District Five.

A group of students and teachers from Lexington-Richland School District Five have recently wrapped up a 3-day leadership program at Disney World. 

Nearly 40 students and teachers from District Five elementary, middle and high schools joined other students from around the U.S. for this year’s (BRSE) Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence BOLT (Building Leaders of Tomorrow) summer initiative at Disney World on July 17-19.

As part of Disney’s Y.E.S (Youth Education Series) Program, BOLT included leadership-building activities with Disney staff in and behind the scenes of the resort. The BOLT program is in its second year and has doubled in the number of student and teacher participants. 

“What better place to participate in a program on leadership than Walt Disney World, which is not only ‘The Most Magical Place On Earth,’ but also a great example of what can result from great vision and leadership as that of Walt Disney,” said John Goodale, an Irmo Elementary physical education teacher and BRSE Leadership Institute director. “It was a great way to combine fun and learning – lessons both teachers and students could apply to life and at their schools.” 

Teachers like Irmo Elementary’s Pollyanna Buff said the program gave students valuable lessons on leadership, initiative and other character-building traits.

“These students stepped up to the plate, and you could really see them start to exhibit those early leadership skills … and a variety of leadership styles. It was a program for the students that will enhance what they learn in the classroom. And as an educator, I learned tons, too.” 

Rachel Stephens, who will attend CrossRoads Middle this year, participated in the summer BOLT program. She said she didn’t consider herself to be a leader, but those views have changed because of the BOLT program. 

“I think that after I went to it, I felt like I could become more of a leader,” said Stephens, adding that the program also taught her to begin thinking about her future career and how to pursue it.

The program is available through the Blue Ribbons Schools of Excellence to any student in grades 3 through 12 with registration available through the BRSE website. A total of 98 students nationwide participated in the event. 

The Disney Youth Education Series programs are aimed at giving students a better understanding of various school subjects through experiences and attractions at Disney Theme Parks. Disney staff use interactive, student-led activities with study areas ranging from physical science and art and humanities to leadership and life management.