East Wilkes Middle School named a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by FranklinCovey Education

Leadership and Life Skills at East Wilkes Middle School Inspire Young Students to become 21st Century Leaders with the Leader in Me Process

Ronda, NC - East Wilkes Middle School announced the school has been certified and named as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School by FranklinCovey Education.  This recognition is evidence that the school has produced outstanding results in school and student outcomes while implementing the Leader in Me process with fidelity and excellence. It is also because of the extraordinary impact the school is having on staff, students, parents and the greater community.

Sandra Burchette principal of EWMS said, “We are honored to have been certified and named a Leader in Me Lighthouse School.  We have seen amazing results implementing the Leader in Me process at our school such as academic achievement, improved attendance, and a decrease in Office Discipline Referrals. We expect to see greater results over time.”

Sean Covey, President, FranklinCovey Education, said, “We are thrilled to recognize EWMS as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School.  Schools who achieve this Lighthouse Certification are great examples of a strong leadership model and process, and what it means to be a Leader in Me School.  This school has experienced transformational results by implementing the principles and practices related to Leader in Me. We are so pleased and honored to celebrate the success they are experiencing.”

Leader in Me is a whole-school transformation model and process-developed in partnership with educators- that empowers students with the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.  Leader in Me helps students learn how to become self-reliant, take initiative, plan ahead, set and track goals, do their homework, prioritize their time, manage their emotions, be considerate of others, express their viewpoint, resolve conflicts, value differences and live a balanced life

Since it’s official launch nearly a decade ago, nearly 4,000 public, private, and charter schools across 50 countries have adopted the Leader in Me process. While more than 300 schools have achieved the prestigious Lighthouse certification, EWMS joins a short list of middle schools that have obtained this status. 

The process for Lighthouse certification for EWMS was different from the normal process, as it had to be completed virtually due to the school closure for COVID-19. Faculty members completed an evidence binder that was shared with the certification team. Members of the school’s adult and student Lighthouse Teams, administrators, the school’s Lighthouse Coordinators, and parent representatives had separate virtual meetings over the summer with the certification team as well. Students also recorded a walkthrough of the building to highlight the physical evidence of the Leader in Me program throughout the school. 

The EWMS Faculty and Staff are proud of this accomplishment. Our students, parents, and community have worked hard to make our implementation of the Leader in Me program a success. Together we shine and they help us to live out our mission - “Together, we learn, lead, succeed.”