Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) is dedicated to recognizing student leaders and fostering their development throughout the school year and across all school levels. 

At T. Clay Wood Elementary School, students participate in the "Leader in Me" program, which includes weekly lessons and recognizes "Habit Heroes"—students who exhibit one of the school's seven habits: be proactive, begin with the end in mind, put first things first, think win-win, seek first to understand then to be understood, synergize, and sharpen the saw. Students also take on various jobs throughout the school, such as collecting library books. 

Sylvia Harm, a fourth-grade student, and Sebastian Lord, a fifth-grade student, enjoy the "Leader in Me" program and serve as president and vice president of the school's leadership organization. Recently, they led the Leadership Day Assembly. 

"I like helping people and I’ve always dreamed of leading the assembly, so that was my chance to do that," Harm said. 

"I signed up to be the president because I wanted to help guide the younger kids and help them become better people. I also wanted to help organize events," Lord shared. "School events are one of my favorite things to do." 

Dr. Andrew Buchheit, principal at T. Clay Wood Elementary, expressed his pride in the students.  

"I was very proud of the students. I knew they were a little nervous, but each student did an incredible job. I also liked how they supported one another after they spoke by telling them they did a good job," Buchheit said. "We are proud to showcase our students and watch them shine as leaders at T. Clay Wood—where our vision states that we are: A Community of Leaders and Learners Achieving Excellence." 

At Parkside Middle School, the entire student population is divided into three houses based on last names. This house system cultivates a positive climate and culture, with each house earning points through competitions and positive actions. Eighteen house leaders, elected by students, plan pep rallies, spirit weeks, and competitions, while also addressing student concerns. 

Rohen Sifer, a seventh-grade student, stated, "It is an excellent way to connect with others and to make a change." 

These student leaders successfully advocated for a new policy by presenting feedback to the administrative team. Abigail Golon, a sixth grader, added, "There are so many opportunities as a house leader. You get to help other kids." 

PWCS also implements Student Voice Committees (SVC) at participating schools. These committees consist of students who reflect their school’s community and create meaningful partnerships between students, educators, and administrators. SVCs aim to create a positive climate and culture by including students in the decision-making process. 

Student senators, members of the SVC from each high school, recently presented at Capitol Hill, leading to the signing of a new bill to support students. 

"This experience has given me the opportunity to practice advocacy and showed me the importance of being a voice for students in my community," said junior, Shavonne Davis from Patriot High School. 

"Student voice has brought me closer to my peers and all other members of my school community, fostered my individual growth as a leader, and revealed how much power students can and should have in relation to their educations," shared senior, Ava Schelling from Woodbridge High School. 

By integrating leadership lessons into the curriculum, providing opportunities for students to take on leadership roles, and encouraging student voices in decision-making processes, PWCS is cultivating a generation of confident and capable leaders.