Who knew a bunch of elementary school students could possibly plan over an hour’s worth of material to showcase all on their own? Fountain Hill ES Leadership Day Prep Club had its first ever ‘student only’ planned Leadership Day Feb. 22 and it was spectacular. This year’s event was planned by students under the supervision of kindergarten and first grade teacher Victoria Knepp and themed around Dr. Seuss and his children’s books.

The event was solely planned and made possible entirely by the students- all teachers were hands off during the entire process except for guidance purposes. Those involved met a few times during the fall and winter sessions to organize and rehearse their performances. Parents and the families of the students along with BASD Superintendent Dr. Jospeh Roy were in attendance.

That morning consisted of student presentations, videos, a wax museum, and plenty more. All students involved were given jobs to help the entire day go well. Students waited by the entrance as greeters giving all attendees a warm welcome. The refreshment team had a table filled with goodies including finger snacks and fresh fruits. As you walked into the auditorium, the student ambassadors and communication crew took a poll of each guest’s favorite Dr. Seuss book. The results were announced later. The same team of students were seen walking around, asking for permission to read Dr. Suess to guests as they waited for the event to begin.

Each aspect of the day was tailored to help the students grow into the role of a leader. The leadership prep club met Wednesdays after school. That time was clearly not wasted. Along with their readings, they worked diligently to ensure decoration, personal headpiece wear, and technology were prepared in advance.

With emcees, Christian and Grace Contakes (brother and sister), introduced each grade. Pre-k children started by sharing animal sounds for the crowd. The kindergarteners followed with a song sung in Spanish. First and second graders sounded out words with both their voice and body. Third grade students read their own self-written rhyming poems while fourth and fifth graders presented their favorite Dr. Seuss books in a video presentation.

Once the show was over, guests were led out into the hallway, looping around the entire first floor. Around every corner students presented either a recent project or an admiration for a figure in history. As the stations came to an end, the students said their goodbyes as parents and guests left.

Those on the Student Lighthouse Committee included Julian Olmeda, Jenna Chinda, Jartiza Caytuiro, Ivona Negron, Ben Brandt, Kyle Brandt, Jadaliz Reyes, Layla Barclay, Exzavier Dejesus and Sean Pinho Cuadrado.