Student Leadership
One of the natural developments of Sammy’s Buddy Program is leadership. Buddy Program students, many of whom are considered at-risk, rise to the occasion as natural leaders and advocates. In order to further develop this all-important skill, we have implemented leadership initiatives as a part of Sammy’s Buddy Program. Students participate in interactive, skills-based lessons on leadership and develop school and community programming during which they can use their voices, experience and newly-developed leadership skills to create new, impactful opportunities within their own schools and communities. Additionally, we provide service-based leadership opportunities for high school students who volunteer within the program. Building kind, inclusive leaders is our goal.
Working with Sammy’s Buddy Program has provided me with unique opportunities to learn about leadership and become a better leader within my community. As I have worked with this program, I have learned the importance of communication, adaptability, empathy, and relationships as a leader among my peers.
Andrew, high school student
Some of our most at-risk students became some of the best buddies ever and worked together with peers in their class ... as they rose to the responsibility of helping their peers with disabilities ... the benefit poured over into the lunchroom and assemblies and the friendships continued to form.
Lynette Golze, Elementary Principal
