Making a Difference and Leading Through Service
At NDUE, leadership is at the heart of the school's mission. Through service, students learn to lead and make a difference.
Through the principles of the Leader in Me framework, the program encourages students to practice responsibility, teamwork, goal setting, and positive decision-making. Through leadership roles, service opportunities, and character development activities, students learn how their actions can make a meaningful impact in their school and community.
Every week, students learn to prioritize the Lighthouse Leadership Club, discussing plans and events for the week. Mrs. Meade, the club sponsor, facilitates support as students work through the habits while planning and implementing service projects.
“The Lighthouse Team is the face and the voice of all students at NDUE. They represent our school at community and campus wide events," said Mrs. Meade.
Habits in Action
Outside of service, students are learning key values that are vital for their futures.
In the leadership pillar, NDUE practices the 7 Habits of leadership. These habits prepare students to take initiative, build strong relationships, make responsible decisions, and become confident leaders in their school and beyond.
Students practice Habit 1: Be Proactive, as well as Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind, as they develop service projects with clear goals and a defined vision for impact. They determine how much they hope to collect or raise and thoughtfully plan strategies to encourage participation from their peers. Being proactive also requires students to research the organizations they support, understand community needs, and set meaningful, achievable goals.
Through Habit 8: Finding Your Voice, students collaborate to bring each project to life.
Mrs. Kenna Ogle, Action Team Leader for Shared Leadership, explains how the Lighthouse Team work collaboratively to bring forward concerns from each grade level. "For example, students identified a need for improved recess equipment, and after presenting those concerns to administration, each grade level now has its own set of equipment.”
By working together, sharing responsibilities, and supporting one another’s efforts, each student contributes to the success of the team while learning the value of cooperation and collective leadership.
Service in Action
Students are clearly active and present on campus by acting as ambassadors during school events, leading school tours, helping with everyday tasks like leading the Pledge of Allegiance during morning announcements, managing the lost and found area, and assisting with the cleanliness and appearance of the school's campus. They also serve their peers by working the concession stand for special drives and incentive days.
Demonstrating service doesn't just stop in the school—it’s embedded in the community as well.
Throughout the school year, students stay proactive through acts of service such as the Canned Food Drive in November, where over 2,000 cans were donated to Salem Baptist Church. They also donated over 100 blankets and scarves to the homeless this last Christmas season and have recently collected "over three truckloads of animal supplies to donate to the animal shelter," said Mrs. Meade.
Another sponsor adds, “Students on the Lighthouse Team show leadership through helping out with the morning assemblies. They are taking ownership and contributing to their school's society. Other students strive each year to apply for the student Lighthouse Team because they see these students and feel like, ‘Oh, I want to be a part of that!’” said Lighthouse Team Action Leader, Keena Ogle.
Making a Difference- One Student at a Time
For many students, being part of the Lighthouse team is both rewarding and empowering, and many take pride in knowing that their efforts positively impact others and their work helps strengthen their school and community.
One student shares, "It makes me feel great because I know I am making a change. I know my work makes a difference because after every project we do, everyone is saying how much they appreciate all of the service projects we do."
Students also recognize that their involvement connects them to something larger than themselves; through collaboration and service, they gain a deeper understanding of leadership and the impact they can have on others. Students are part of “something bigger”.
Another student mentions, “I learned that being a leader means helping others and working together to accomplish goals.”
Through these experiences, students build confidence in their ability to lead and make a difference; they learn that leadership is not just about taking charge, but about encouraging others, working together, and using their strengths to help those around them.
Mrs. Meade directly sees how student leadership has made a direct impact on her personally, "They make me grow as a teacher and as a person because they are so inspired to do for the school and for the community. They want to be better, and so it intrinsically makes me want to be better for them as well.”
By living out these habits daily, students are developing character, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to serving others—skills that will continue to guide them well beyond their time at NDUE.