For Sam, a student at Harding Elementary, becoming a leader at school was always something they hoped for & that opportunity came to life through the Harding Student Ambassador program.
Each year, students are selected through an application process to serve as Ambassadors, leaders who set the tone for their peers and help shape the school community. Under the guidance of United Way Community School Director Shanna Potter, the program has grown over the past five years into something students aspire to be part of.
Ambassadors take on meaningful roles throughout the school. Whether they’re welcoming families at events or guiding younger students, they lead by example. But for Sam, the impact goes beyond the school walls.
Through opportunities like the “Lunch with a Leader” series, Ambassadors connect with community members and see what leadership looks like in the real world. Inspired by those conversations, this year’s group, including Sam, decided to take their impact even further.
Together, they’ve led three service projects: a donation drive supporting the Anna Shelter, serving meals at the Community Shelter Services Caring Kitchen, and organizing an upcoming community clean-up.
For Sam and the other Ambassadors, these experiences have been more than just activities; they’ve been a chance to grow, give back, and understand what it means to lead.
“It has been rewarding to see how students respond to these experiences; they’re not only building leadership skills, but also developing a deeper understanding of their community and how they can make an impact.” -Shanna
