The leadership crew working on posters for activities before winter break. photo by Jesus Flores-Sanchez
A closer look into TJ’s Leadership class.
“The person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.” This is Oxford Language’s definition of a leader, a definition that fits most high school student councils. But at Thomas Jefferson High School, to be a leader isn’t just a title or a popularity contest. Instead, TJ is set apart by its Leadership class, a program with hardworking and dedicated students from different backgrounds who work together to connect the student body with the administration to ensure every voice is heard. This group promotes school spirit and strengthens the community while gaining essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Unlike traditional student governments, which often rely on elections and popular votes, TJ’s Leadership class was designed to better represent the diversity of the student body. As stated by Assistant Principal Jon Poole, “We started it almost 15 years ago, replacing the traditional student council. Instead of popular elections, students are recommended by teachers, coaches, or peers, and the class now better represents the diversity of our student body.” And to make Leadership accessible to a longer/wider/greater range of students, it was intentionally designed as a class rather than an after school activity. As Poole explained, “By making Leadership a class rather than an after school club, we’re able to include students who might not have had the chance otherwise—like athletes or kids with part-time jobs.”
This structure allows a more diverse group of students to participate, guaranteeing the program’s inclusivity and reflecting the different demographics at TJ. The process is straightforward, “You need a recommendation from a teacher, student, or coach, and then we send out a questionnaire to learn more about each applicant,” stated Poole. Once the applications are in, Poole and Counselor Erin Thompson work together to carefully select students who they believe will excel in the program. Though not every student can be selected, the program is still open to all willing to grow regardless of where they start. As Poole affirmed when asked about what type of student fits best in the class, “There’s no single type of student we’re looking for. Some students are already strong leaders, while others are still discovering their potential. Our goal is to create a group that learns and grows together.”
Such group tasks are nothing short of imperative when it comes to encouraging Spartan Pride. Leadership is responsible for many of the most important events throughout the school year that directly impact the spirit and unity of students. From planning Spirit Week to organizing the Homecoming dance, the class works tirelessly to make staff, students, and families feel proud to be Spartans. Stella O’Malley, a sophomore and a first year leadership student, mentioned, “Planning Homecoming meant so much to me because we got to be part of such an important event for the school,” Students in the class not only contribute to make these events happen, but also find personal satisfaction in being a part of the school’s culture. As junior Ellie Huntsman, a second year leadership student, shared, “I really wanted to be a part of TJ’s community and plan events because I think it’s fun.” She added, “’I love being behind the scenes of pep rallies and Homecoming and getting the inside knowledge of what’s going on.”
Activities performed by the leadership crew are not limited to students only. A great example that highlights the group’s successful engagement with the broader community is Multicultural Night. Thompson explained, “A way we measure the impact of leadership on students and the community is to see what events students come to.” She added, “Looking at multicultural night and seeing all of the different cultures that we have in our school and what community members attend exemplifies the success of the class.” Multicultural night is an event designed to showcase the diversity of TJ and its families. This event allows Spartans to share their traditional music, dances, and food, and last year was a very successful celebration of the diversity of the cultures within TJ, bringing the entire community together, the ultimate mission of the class, “to create a sense of belonging through school events.” as Thompson remarked.
Connecting the immediate TJ community through a cultural celebration directly supports the class goals. Leadership goes above and beyond when it comes to meaningful outreach, such as Wish Week. An event in which the class partners with the Make-A-Wish foundation to make a child’s dream come true, “When we do fundraisers or events like Make-A-Wish, it connects the school to the community in a really meaningful way,” said Poole. Additionally, students in the class find ways to achieve their goals and experience heartfelt joy in the process. For instance, senior Kayleen Millard, a second year leadership student, highlighted, “I’ve always wanted to help little kids but didn’t know how. Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, we helped kids who had dreams but didn’t have the funds to make them happen. It was a way for us to give back in such a meaningful way.”
Heartfelt joy and community impact are without a question some of the most rewarding aspects of the Leadership class, but these are far from the only positive outcomes. The class is also a space where students learn to respond effectively under pressure, work efficiently, and develop skills that will benefit them well beyond their high school years. Through situations where they need to think quickly and solve problems under pressure, students develop critical problem-solving skills and the ability to stay calm. Millard shared, “Before Leadership, I’d get upset or frustrated when people disagreed with me. Now, I’ve learned to stay calm and see the value in other perspectives. It’s taught me how to compromise and solve problems quickly.” This growth is something Poole himself finds truly rewarding: “It’s incredible to see them overcome challenges, achieve things they thought they couldn’t, and find ways through hurdles to make a real difference.” Additionally, as Huntsman said, “Being in Leadership has changed my perspective on teamwork. I’ve realized how important it is to have a group you can count on and to spread out the work so no one feels overwhelmed.” In experiencing these scenarios, students gain priceless skills in communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Skills that will be crucial in their futures.
Ultimately, TJ’s Leadership program stands apart from others. The class redefines the definition of leaders in the student body. It’s not about leading by authority, but leading by example.
