The Lighthouse Team at Gravette Upper Elementary is taking leadership to the next level by inspiring students at Glenn Duffy Elementary to get involved. Through a special video presentation, the team introduced the purpose of the Lighthouse Team and invited students to apply for Glenn Duffy’s own student leadership group.
The Lighthouse Team at GUE plays a significant role in shaping the school’s culture by promoting the principles of Leader in Me. The team consists of both an adult team and a student team, with student members divided into first-year members and returning members, known as Ambassadors. Together, they work to ensure that every student’s voice is heard and that leadership opportunities are available to all.
The Role of the Lighthouse Team
The student Lighthouse Team is responsible for helping maintain what Leader in Me refers to as a "high-trust culture." They model the 8 Habits of Highly Effective People and work to highlight the leadership qualities of every student in the building.
The team meets twice a week for leadership development. One meeting focuses on skill-based leadership training, where students learn how to apply the 8 Habits to real-world situations. The second meeting is a leadership luncheon, where students lead discussions and plan projects for the month.
A key part of the Lighthouse Team’s mission is ensuring that all students have a chance to participate. To uphold this commitment, GUE uses a blind application process when selecting new team members. During the review process, all demographic information is removed from applications before they are evaluated by a committee. This committee consists of members from the Student Lighthouse Team, Adult Lighthouse Team, and Grade Level Teams. The review process spans several weeks, with multiple discussions before final selections are made. Once selections are finalized, the students’ identities are revealed, and new members are officially welcomed at a Leadership Assembly.
The Impact of Leadership Opportunities
Being part of the Lighthouse Team allows students to take an active role in shaping their school environment. Members spend time learning how to apply leadership habits in meaningful ways, focusing on areas such as:
Goal setting and achieving personal and school-wide objectives
Problem-solving and working together to find solutions
Conflict resolution through teamwork and understanding
Critical thinking and using leadership skills in real-life scenarios
Building confidence and sharing their voice with others
One of the most important lessons students learn is that leadership is already within them. Through intentional practice, they develop these skills daily and encourage their peers to do the same. Leader in Me refers to this process as "Sharpening the Saw," which emphasizes continuous personal growth.
A Special Invitation to Glenn Duffy Elementary
To continue fostering leadership across the district, the GUE Lighthouse Team created a special video introducing themselves to Glenn Duffy Elementary students. In the video, members explain the importance of leadership, share examples of how they apply the 8 Habits at school, and encourage Glenn Duffy students to take the next step by applying for their own Lighthouse Team.
These projects demonstrate how students can take the initiative to improve their school and community. Now, Glenn Duffy students have the opportunity to develop their own leadership projects by joining the Lighthouse Team.
"Being a team member allows students to directly impact every aspect of student learning. Students spend a significant amount of time learning all the habits and how to apply them in real world situations," explained GUE Counselor Mrs. Robinson. "It is very empowering to learn that their voice matters and that it is critical to developing a positive school culture."
The Lighthouse Team at GUE believes that every student has leadership potential. Through the Leader in Me program, students gain confidence in their abilities and learn how to make a positive impact. As Glenn Duffy Elementary prepares to form its own Lighthouse Team, GUE students and staff look forward to seeing the next generation of young leaders take the stage.
For students interested in applying, additional information will be shared at Glenn Duffy Elementary’s upcoming Leadership Assembly. Parents and guardians are encouraged to support their students in this opportunity to grow, learn, and lead.