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Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary students share what it means to be 'Leader in Me'

"Leaders come in all shapes and sizes. Our students have the opportunity to find their voice, shine and showcase their talents," said KMBE Principal Chasity Cruz. "Our students lead by their actions. They show integrity, they are kind and they are respectful. Our teachers and staff lead by example, greeting students with warm welcomes and by being prepared for whatever the day may bring."

At Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary (KMBE) in the Queen Creek Unified School District, students and staff believe leadership to be a fundamental trait that anyone can have.

The Lighthouse Leadership group recently had the opportunity to speak, present and even dance about what it means to be a leader.

"At least to me, a recipe for an exceptional leader is serving and thinking of others," said Nixen McNeil, KMBE student body president. "Instead of being a forceful dictator that many people think of when they think of a leader, be a respectful example to all those around you."

He and other KMBE students shared the seven habits of leadership, which are:

  1. Be Proactive
  2. Begin With the End in Mind
  3. Put First Things First
  4. Think Win-Win
  5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
  6. Synergize
  7. Sharpen the Saw

These habits are a set of principles and practices to help students become self-reliant, develop self-confidence, and learn to work and listen to others.

"Leaders come in all shapes and sizes. Our students have the opportunity to find their voice, shine and showcase their talents," said KMBE Principal Chasity Cruz. "Our students lead by their actions. They show integrity, they are kind and they are respectful. Our teachers and staff lead by example, greeting students with warm welcomes and by being prepared for whatever the day may bring."

To learn more about these habits, click here.