Eunice Elementary and three other schools in St. Landry Parish have been added to those to particpate in The Leader in Me program. according to an announcement by the St. Landry-Evangeline United Way.
The Leader in Me, a whole school transformation model that empowers students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. Based on the Stephen Covey book, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” leadership traits are taught directly to students, but more significantly, integrated seamlessly with everyday lessons across all curricular areas.
The schools selected for the 2018-19 school year are Palmetto Elementary, Eunice Elementary, Port Barre Elementary, and Southwest Elementary.
The schools will join the current Leader In Me schools of North Elementary in Opelousas, Lawtell Elementary, Highland Elementary in Eunice, and Grolee Elementary in Opelousas.
Ginger LeCompte, executive director of St. Landry-Evangeline United Way, said, “Our expectations were high when we initiated this program, and we have not been disappointed. The four schools in the pilot program have all reported improvements, and a positive cultural transformation within their respective schools.”
She added, “When a child is transformed, by extension, his environment, and even his family is touched. Ultimately, a community benefits. The Leader in Me provides a methodical approach to creating that cultural shift.”
St. Landry Parish School Superintendent Patrick Jenkins said, “This partnership with United Way for The Leader in Me aligns with our district’s mission to provide high quality instruction while working collaboratively with families and communities to maximize every student’s potential.”
Jenkins added, “We are so excited to have the United Way’s support in areas that will enable us to implement such a powerful program.”
Margaret Trahan, CEO/president United Way of Acadiana stated, “United Way of Acadiana has implemented this program in over 50 schools, and we are excited to share our experience and provide logistical support for this project. In our role as a partner, and as neighbors, we have a common interest in seeing all Acadiana schools flourish and produce the best students and leaders possible. The Leader in Me has proven to be a win-win for our communities.”
The majority of the funding for the project is provided through the generosity of Keith and Ginger Myers and family, through the Myers Family Foundation.
Keith Myers said, “Our interest and engagement with St. Landry Parish aligns with the interest and mission of the St. Landry-Evangeline United Way in making a positive difference in our community. We look forward to continuing this partnership.”,
Already a serious investor in Leader in Me in the region, the William C. Schumacher Family Foundation has also committed funding for the St. Landry Parish schools. The combined generosity of both foundations establishes the necessary resources for full implementation over the next several years in these chosen schools.
St. Landry-Evangeline United Way actively seeks opportunities to improve lives and communities through its leadership in connecting people and resources to community needs. By focusing on the building blocks of a strong and healthy community – Health, Education and Financial Stability, United Way promotes projects, programs and activities that will create the greatest community impact.