James A. Herod Elementary Wildcats shine during Black History Leadership event

James A. Herod Elementary is the first and only school in Vermilion Parish to implement Franklin Covey’s The Leader in Me Program.
The initiative is patterned after the seven habits of highly effective people. James A. Herod is utilizing this program to create highly effective student leaders.
In conjunction with the Leader In me, James A. Herod Elementary hosted a Black History Leadership Event. It was held on Feb. 25. Guests who attended the event included the United Way, central office personnel, and Anne Falgout director of economic development in Vermilion Parish.
The Leadership event was 100% student-led. The event consisted of a school tour, student-led conferences, and a black history program. Upon entering the school, guests were greeted by students and directed to their groups to begin the school tour. The school tour consisted of guests being accompanied by tour guides to classrooms to see instruction and leadership in place.
Guests were then afforded the opportunity to conference with students. Students shared their behavior and academic goals and progress towards those goals. Students also discussed with guests what measures are being taken to ensure attainment of those goals and students were able to share personal victories.
Guests were able to sign the leadership notebooks including positive, motivational comments.
Finally, guests were escorted to the MP building for the black history program. Our mistress of ceremonies was Destiny Benoit, a third grade student.
Benoit spoke articulately as she introduced the speakers and participants. Students spoke to the audience about famous black individuals who have made major contributions to society.
The fifth grade James A. Herod Elementary band played a selection for the audience’s musical pleasure. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was honored by the James A. Herod elementary choir with an original musical selection.
The grand finale featured Chubby Carrier singing and playing the accordion.
The event that ended with an original composition sung by all students called “I’m a leader!”
Principal Errin Landry called the event a wonderful reflection on the school.
“A cultural shift is occurring at James A. Herod Elementary,” Landry said. “Our students are becoming leaders who are motivated intrinsically and are proud of achieving academic and behavior goals. We invite the public to come to James A. Herod Elementary to observe the wonderful things our students are doing. We have a synergy assembly the last Friday of every month to address progress towards our goals. Please come out and support our students! They are bright, beautiful, unique, and successful! They deserve your love and support!
“We are...Wildcats!!!!!”