Queen Creek Unified School District Celebrates Leadership at Annual LOL Conference

Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) hosted its annual Leading Out Loud (LOL) Conference, a leadership event aimed at empowering 4th through 12th grade students. Students are nominated by their teachers for possessing leadership qualities with the potential for continued development. LOL conferences feature motivational speakers, breakout sessions, and hands-on activities to inspire students and set the tone for their leadership journey for this school year.

"The LOL conference started several years ago as part of our strategic plan to develop leaders at all levels," QCUSD Superintendent Dr. Berry explained. "We bring students with leadership potential from all our schools into this district-wide conference, teaching them about essential leadership characteristics such as positivity, integrity, empathy, and dependability." Events like these provide unique leadership opportunities for students to grow that go beyond academic achievements.

A key component of the LOL Club is the C.A.R.E. Challenge, which stands for Champion in the community, All-in, Raise school spirit, and Emphasize your leadership activities. "Leadership is an action, an attitude, a behavior – it’s not just about the position you hold," Dr. Berry stated. 

Another focus of the LOL Club is participatory budgeting, where students engage in the democratic decision-making process to improve their schools and collaborate with school administrators, business officers, and parent-teacher organizations in joint initiatives. This initiative helps students practice taking on leadership roles. 

Dr. Erika Copeland, who also played a significant role in organizing the LOL conference, shared the goals for the conference: "We focus on students who may not already have formal leadership roles but possess the potential to lead. Teachers and staff nominate these students, giving them an opportunity to grow and connect with others in their district." Dr. Copeland added, "The conference is unique in involving students from elementary to high school, creating a diverse environment where young leaders can learn from each other."

Luke DeLong, a seventh-grade career explorations teacher, noted how the conference is able to transform students into future leaders. "Many of our returning students have grown more confident," he said. "They've taken ownership of projects, like the participatory budget initiative, which focuses on leaving a legacy and making meaningful legacies in their schools."

The LOL Conference continues to impact students, empowering them to lead with confidence and integrity. As stated by Dr. Berry, "These opportunities prepare our students for the lives and leadership roles they will lead beyond school.”