ELITE.
Despite its name, Everyday Leadership Inspired Through Example (ELITE) isn’t exclusive; its mission is to improve school culture and is open to all students.
Born from B2B (Belief 2 Behavior), ELITE is a new leadership and positive school culture initiative inspired by JKB (J. Kyle Braid) and PNS (Positively North Stars).
The program is headed by career and technical education department chair Mark Mirandola and special services teacher Megan Hurley.
In spring of 2014, Mirandola and Hurley took over the B2B program from Bormann. “We got a late start on the program because we started running it pretty late in the year so we had our backs against the wall with regards to setting everything up,” said Mirandola. Despite the time crunch, they both wanted change how the weekend retreat was run, starting with the student leaders and the name.
The goal of the first meeting in April of 2014 was to change the name of the program. Multiple acronyms and names were tossed around, but they settled on ELITE. The ensuing meetings were run by the student leaders. The students voted on a variety of issues including what to change from B2B of the past and what to keep.
The main change from B2B came in the Saturday evening portion of the weekend retreat. The large group discussion was a forum for the leaders to share the ideas of their small groups with other students and DGN staff members. The discussion also served as a time to discuss the purpose of ELITE for the rest of the school year.
“We didn’t name this program to sound like we’re better than anyone else. This group is really about the entire student body coming together to all be leaders in making school a better place where everyone is accepted,” said senior leader Julia Rush. Intramurals were mentioned by several groups as a way to bring students together for a common cause.
The seniors dominated the staff ten points to five points during the annual staff versus senior class ultimate football game. “That was one of the most fun parts of the whole weekend,” said senior leader Jack Warwick, “Everyone came together and it was just a good time.” This gave students an idea as to what intramurals could look like at DGN if ELITE sponsored them. The following Monday, members wore their ELITE shirts to signify participation in the program.
ELITE will run the DGN Ice Bucket Challenge on Sept. 19 at the JKB tailgate. Future meetings to plan events such as intramurals will be open to all students. Participation in the weekend retreat is not necessary to join ELITE.
Damian Margarites | Advertising Editor
