Stanislaus County Office of Education’s Leadership Academy selected 31 students representing 16 individual high schools throughout Stanislaus County for their 2022-2023 Leadership Academy Class. Students attend Leadership Academy on the first Friday of the month during the school year.

New class members include Elizabeth Franklin of Keyes to Learning Center and Shianne Tigner of Denair Charter Academy.

The first class, Team Building and Introduction to Leadership Day, was held on Sept. 9. According to Prevention Programs Director Dallas Plaa, the student’s first session was an exciting one.

“During this session, Matt Emerzian, author and founder of ‘Every Monday Matters’ movement, inspired students by demonstrating the many ways in which they matter and can make a difference,” said Plaa.

Students also had the opportunity to hear from a panel of individuals with first-hand experience serving in local leadership roles. Panelists included District 4 Representative of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors Mani Grewal, Superintendent of Schools Scott Kuykendall, Chief Deputy District Attorney Wendell Emerson, and District 1 Modesto City Councilmember Rosa Escutia-Braaton.

Following the panel, students took part in a “True Colors” training to learn more about their own leadership style and how to collaborate in a diverse group. Students finished the day with a team-building activity at the Escape Room business in downtown Modesto.

“We look forward to sharing Nonprofit Day with students on Oct. 21 where they will visit a variety of local nonprofit organizations,” said Plaa.