LIFT Jr. started after Megan Propp, a 5th-grade teacher, witnessed firsthand the tremendous influence of LIFT Wyoming over the years on high school students. LIFT Wyoming aims to promote leadership and opportunity in the youth of Wyoming with a dedicated focus on positively impacting Wyoming’s future. Along with instilling and modeling leadership, LIFT Wyoming teaches students about the terrific opportunities available in Wyoming for young people after graduation.
Serving on the board of LIFT Wyoming, Mrs. Propp began thinking about ways a similar conference could help teach positive leadership traits and development to 5th-grade students as they start preparing for their journey into middle school. After brainstorming the idea with her teacher partner, Ms. Frank, and Principal Tuttle, the idea of a LIFT Jr. event came to fruition.
Representing the value of different voices and perspectives, Mrs. Propp brought in key additions to the team to develop the details and components of the conference. The two-day experience provided students with the opportunity to learn about and be introduced to four leadership styles: charismatic leaders, participative leaders, transformational leaders, and quiet leaders by guest speaker Mr. Bill Lyons. In addition, for two days, students attended sessions on Attitude, Respect & Kindness, Effort, and Gratitude.
Providing current high school leaders with an opportunity to offer positive mentorship, Mrs. Propp worked with NCHS students Jace Brezina, Cody Crawford, Tyler Hill, and Erin Weibel to develop and teach the sessions. “These four students were phenomenal in taking my plan and making it their own,” shared Propp. “One of my favorite moments was watching the high schoolers take vision and run with it to create an amazing experience for our 5th graders.”
Teaching the importance of a positive attitude and adjusting proactively to situations, Cody Crawford and Jace Brezina helped students develop three ways to make situations better by following a problem-solving plan and being “get to, but, and solutions” oriented. When asked what advice he would give a younger student, Crawford shared an important perspective on positivity and influence, “I would tell a younger student to not be afraid to make mistakes, and to surround yourself with people that build you up and keep you accountable.”
Southridge Alum Erin Weibel focused her time on teaching students the importance of perspective and gratitude. Reading the book “Perfect Square,” Weibel shared techniques and ideas for how to look at things with a positive mindset and gratitude. Sharing her appreciation for the ability to participate in the event, Weibel hopes her and her fellow students' influence will provide a good example for future leaders, “Oftentimes, the younger students need a nudge not to fall into peer pressure. If they see older students like me at LIFT and other types of activities, it might inspire them to set goals to be leaders themselves. I know when I was their age, I always looked up to the older athletes and high school students. You never know when someone is watching you, whether it is another kid or an adult. You might be inspiring them without even realizing it.”
Speaking of inspiring, Mrs. Propp shared with us some student reflections on the event:
- "I like LIFT Jr., and I do really want to do it again. I thought it was really fun to have high schoolers come and teach us stuff about behavior, kindness, gratefulness, and all the other things we learned about."
- "It was fun and educational. The fact that it teaches you to be a good leader and be respectful at the same time is awesome."
- "I think it helped all of us with team building and leadership. I think all of next year's kids will love it."
- "I loved learning how to be a leader. I think it would be fun to do it again this year and next year."
- "I really liked LIFT Jr., and I think you should do it again next year, too. I think it helped us become better leaders because we will be able to use the skills we learned to be a good leader. I think now that we have had a good two days of learning how to be a good leader, we will be more kind and respectful to each other. We will solve more problems, and we won't get into a lot of fights like we used to like at recess."
Ending the two-day event with an important opportunity to create and engage with their local community, students completed a service project with Ms. Debbie Mestas from the Fleece Blanket Project. A highlight for students and mentors, they worked together to make 25 blankets for those in need in our community.
Developing continued leadership skills for students of all ages, LIFT Jr. provides an excellent opportunity for growth, mentorship, community service, and, most importantly, fun. “Being a mentor to younger kids is important because it teaches kids to emulate good people; to find good role models,” shared Cody Crawford. “On the flip side, it creates leadership skills in us high school students and forces us to live by the standards we set.”
Natrona County High School is committed to preparing responsible and life-long learners who value themselves, contribute to society and succeed in a changing world.
Southridge Elementary is committed to building character through high expectations and modeling, creating a sense of community through family involvement and celebrations, and inspiring a passion for learning and academic growth.