Home / News & Publications / Michigan Catholic News / 2008 / Weekend teaches leadership, teamwork
Weekend teaches leadership, teamwork
by Kristin Lukowski of The Michigan Catholic
Published January 25, 2008
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Photo by Kristin Lukowski
Eighth-graders Cody Ellwanger, a member of Bridgewood Church in Clarkston, and Richard Forzano, a member of Kirkin the Hills Presbyterian Church in Bloomfield Hills, use teamwork and communication to assemble a puzzle as fast as they can at the recent Brother Rice Leadership Conference. | Bloomfield Hills — Through speakers, team activities and even dodgeball, seventh- and eighth-graders from all over metro Detroit learned aspects of becoming leaders and role models at Brother Rice's sixth-annual leadership conference last weekend.
Bother Rice students served as student leaders to 125 younger students, mostly Catholic, and who were all nominated to attend by their school or church, regardless if they are planning to attend Brother Rice for high school. Among the activities were speakers, breakout sessions, games and a team effort of preparing dinner for the group.
"I learned how to be a great leader," said Danny Evans, an eighth-grader who attends St. Regis Parish.
Last Friday evening's activity focused on "Exploring Leadership" with a motivational speech and a small-group team assignment and discussion. Saturday started much the same way, covering the topics of "Team Leadership" and "Christian Leadership."
Then, things got a little more energetic, with team activities such as dodgeball, for which students had to use their teamwork and communications skills. They smeared face paint on their cheeks, football-style, and didn't hesitate to dive and roll away from a ball heading in their direction. While some groups played dodgeball, others played board or card games, or worked on a puzzle, as a team.
After a brief survey, which helped the attendees pinpoint their leadership strengths and how those strengths complement their personalities, the students started on the day's big assignment — making dinner. Each team was assigned a dish — sandwiches or cookies, for example — and got started following directions and working together as a team to prepare that part of the meal. Not only did the lunch-making incorporate teamwork, but the students also had to consider problem solving — figuring out if there was enough pineapple for one on every skewer, for example.
The teams were judged on whether or not they finished the dish on time, and also on the presentation, such as how the lunchmeat was arranged on the platter.
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Photo by Kristin Lukowski
Participants in the Brother Rice Leadership Conference received a t-shirt with a Bible verse on the back, encouraging them to “be strong in the Lord.” | The pasta was a bit late, for example, and so were the cookies; the shish kebob team tried unsuccessfully to lobby for more points. Comments of "We're making a mess!" could be heard around the cafeteria.
At the end of the day, students agreed that they'd learned many valuable things that day; the proper way to tie your tie and shake hands can give off a good impression, and the importance of praying every day, respecting others and staying away from drugs. They also agreed that making the food was fun, and that they liked the t-shirts that came with the day.
The Brother Rice student leaders, whose main job was to keep their group running smoothly and organize strategy for the team events, enjoyed helping younger students and getting to know them, said 10th-grader Sean Grisam. Dan Torriglia, also a 10th grader, said he enjoyed the presentation on Christian leadership, as well.
Brother Rice Admissions director and program leader David Sofran pointed out that the conference takes place right after the school's final exams, which require the students to come back to school after their tests and again on the following Saturday.
"I had a great time," said Jack Deters, a seventh-grader who attends St. Regis Parish. "It was a great experience. The students from Brother Rice are great people."
The idea behind the conference is not only to develop leadership skills, but also to reward students who have shown leadership in their community, according to a school statement. "We believe this program is an excellent way for young men to discuss leadership issues that they face in today's society while developing the skills necessary to face those challenges at a young age," said Brother Rice president John E. Birney.
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