Lake Villa District 41 steps into the spotlight
On April 8, the student bodies of Palombi Middle School and Thompson Elementary School took center stage, welcoming an impressive guest list of educators and dignitaries from across Illinois and beyond. This distinguished group included teachers, building- and district-level administrators, school board members from across the county, and representatives from two Regional Offices of Education. The event also drew high-level leadership, including the Illinois Association of School Administrators’ Director of Professional Learning and FranklinCovey corporate leaders from across the state and beyond. What guests witnessed was a powerful demonstration of student agency, leadership and ownership.
Palombi Middle School: Ambassadors of Change
At the middle school level, the experience was student-driven. Fourteen student ambassadors took the reins, leading visiting educators through a dynamic look at leadership in action using the Leader in Me Framework.
Visitors observed Student Action Teams, where students take the initiative on schoolwide projects and accountability. The shift from teacher-led instruction to student empowerment was evident in students leading classroom discussions and driving critical thinking among their peers.
Furthermore, the student leaders demonstrated ownership by showcasing projects that reflected a deep commitment to both personal growth and to contributing to the school, the Lake Villa community and beyond. The experience concluded with a reflective student panel where students shared their journeys, speaking candidly with visiting experts about their evolution, past challenges and how their mindsets have transformed over the years of practicing leadership habits both in and outside of school.
Eighth grader Lindsay Floren shared a favorite leadership habit: synergy. Lindsay explained that working together is essential to accomplishing a group goal. She noted that without collaboration, it is impossible to accomplish what is needed and emphasized that working together is an important skill in life. She believes that cooperation is necessary for both the group and the individual to thrive. David Stephen spoke of persistence and incremental progress when working toward a Wildly Important Goal, with the approach of breaking a larger goal down into smaller, more manageable goals to achieve success over time.
Thompson Elementary: Foundational Leaders
At Thompson Elementary, younger students proved that one is never too young to lead. These students demonstrated how teamwork and preparation create a thriving school culture. The Student Lighthouse Team was at the heart of the day’s logistics, managing everything from welcome packets to guest greetings. Student tour guides navigated the halls with confidence, proudly showing administrators and corporate leaders how leadership principles are woven into their daily lives. Students shared their Leadership Portfolios, which are maintained from kindergarten through eighth grade, with visitors highlighting their Wildly Important Goals, Lead and Lag Measures, and their favorite leadership habit. Thompson Elementary also concluded with a panel consisting of students, staff members, a board member and a parent. Through this panel and classroom demonstrations, Thompson students showed they are building the confidence to lead their peers and within the broader community.
The success of the showcase was a direct reflection of the students’ initiative and the “synergy” they shared with their dedicated teachers. By taking charge of tours, facilitating panels, and demonstrating real-world problem-solving, the students of Palombi and Thompson Schools proved they are the architects of their own success.