Leadership is about bringing people together to foster a united community where individuals feel cared for. The Leadership Class at Gig Harbor High School is in a constant rotation of projects. They are the driving force behind the school’s activities, from planning spirit weeks and assemblies to organizing sports games and dances. These events are organized by the student leaders to connect the Tides community and provide an opportunity for students to be involved.

Students in this class learn that leadership is about serving others in many different ways. Although some have personalities that are charismatically inclined, you don’t have to be a natural-born leader to participate in a leadership class. Cooper Giovanini (10) was inspired to sign up for Leadership because of his desire to make a difference at his school. The school can experience real change when students speak up and voice their opinions.

Additionally, leadership class plays a crucial role in shaping the students with leadership skills to make the school a better place and enriching their lives during and after high school. Leadership students learn team building and leadership skills through decision-making and group-based activities, preparing them for the rest of their school life and beyond. Max Potashnick (12) said his favorite part of Leadership class is being able to work together with his classmates and see the great successes of their collective effort in the form of events like TideFest. School can be something that students dread, but creating an environment that is filled with activities to connect each other is what Leadership works hard to do. These students play an important role in maintaining school spirit, keeping the school a safe place for everyone, and encouraging students to be involved.

One key responsibility of leadership is organizing school events such as assemblies, sports games, and dances. These school events are not only to create a fun environment for students but also to connect the student body as a whole and unify the Tides as one. Leadership student Cooper Larsen (10) has learned a great deal from his experience as a leader. He said, “Leadership is being able to have an understanding of what people want and how to get them to do and follow the cause.” Students side by side in the bleachers cheering for a shared goal, unified as one team, is what the leadership class is hoping for.

In a world that desperately needs leaders who are willing and motivated to serve the community, Leadership class provides the opportunity for students to be prepared for the world and bring about change that can make the world a better place.