Leader In Me program aims to boost Holy Redeemer students' leadership skills, confidence
EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Community members filled the pews of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Thursday as Pastor Jason Gries and others announced the implementation of the Leader in Me program in the school.
The program provides elementary schools with a model to address the emotional, mental and physical challenges students face during their formative years that often have an impact on academic success.
Holy Redeemer Principal Andrea Dickel said the crux of the Koch Foundation-led initiative is focused on teaching the catholic school's students problem solving techniques, leadership, self-discipline and other skills they will need going forward.
"We are very excited about this," Dickel said. "It's kind of been a long time coming, and I think it will be a great opportunity for students to learn skills they'll need in the 21st century. Our teachers are already great at that, but that will give them resources and more encouragement to teach those things to the kids."
Holy Redeemer Catholic School is now the 14th school of the 26 Diocese of Evansville Catholic schools to establish the Leader in Me program. With the support of the Koch Foundation, the school will start the initiative in the summer for faculty and in the fall for students and their families.
Jim Muehlbauer, Koch Foundation Vice Chairman, said from what he's seen at previous Leader in Me schools, he's eager to see the development of Holy Redeemer students.
"We've seen good things happen in those other schools," he said. "Kids are just given a lot of confidence, and they realize they have the ability to do a lot of things. They can accomplish a lot more than they thought, and we're very happy about it.
"The world wants leaders with solid moral values, and we can give it to them."