By Michelle Samuelson
Twenty students from Los Alamitos High School (LAHS) Show Choir Advanced Choir Leadership Team participated in a unique 3-hour program on October 5, made possible by a generous grant awarded by the Los Alamitos Educational Foundation (LAEF) Board of Directors. Held onsite at Disney’s California Adventure in Anaheim, CA, this creative program encourages active student participation, brainstorming, and self-reflection and gives the participants concrete examples and experiences reinforcing the ideals of Walt Disney.
David Moellenkamp, Assistant Principal of Visual and Performing Arts and Director of Choral and Activities and Moana Dherlin, Associate Director of Choral Activities, selected the “Creating a Leadership Legacy” program option. The program objectives include identifying personal core values, developing skills in interpersonal communication, reflecting on personal ownership, and learning about risk-taking, prioritizing goals, and overcoming challenges. One of their activities was drawing their own “brand logo” and explaining what their logo represented using their core values. Developing written lists of short and long-term personal goals, working on ideas of prioritizing and time management got the students thinking about their future. The event ended with the students running through an obstacle course while balancing a disk on their heads, representing balancing life activities.
The Disney Leadership Team was skilled at keeping the students engaged by interweaving examples of Walt Disney’s accomplishments throughout the day. As they walked through the park with the leader, stories were told about how Disney made his dreams and ideas a reality, no matter what negative feedback or criticism he received. Disney achieved the impossible by focusing on his goals, staying true to what he believed, and surrounding himself with people who could make it all happen. Disney believed in his dreams and never gave up.
When asked about the Disney Leadership Camp, Jody Goldman, a senior and SoundTrax Dance Captain, enjoyed the experience saying, “The most meaningful thing was when we all shared our insecurities about ourselves which was represented by a colorful disk and then visibly threw the disk out getting rid of that insecurity”. Isabella Frith, a Vocal Music Captain (VMC) of SoundTrax said, I really enjoyed the experience at Disney overall. I liked how we stopped around the park, it made it very engaging and fun…”. Frith thought their instructor did a great job with all of the planned activities. Two other students attending the program, Kylie Maeda and Jack Munson, commented, “At the Disney Leadership program, we learned more about ourselves and our core values and how to apply that to leadership. We are now able to lead more effectively. We can set better examples for our peers now and throughout next year and are looking forward to using these skills at LAEF’s Xcite! Camps this summer.” Nick Cannizaro, a senior in SoundFx and Head VMC, said,“I really liked when we broke into teams and walked around the park asking strangers questions about their own personal heroes. It really helped us break out of our comfort zone. [Disney Leadership Camp] was a very impactful event because it taught me a lot about self-confidence and what I bring to our group.”
Carrie Logue, LAEF Executive Director, informed the Show Choir Directors about the grant and said, “LAEF is happy to support a new Leadership Educational Opportunity for the Advanced Show Choir Student Leadership Team”. Cara Jennings, Los Alamitos Choir Choreographer & Production Manager who helped to apply for the grant, added, “We are grateful to LAEF for giving our students an opportunity to grow as leaders and to develop skills and strategies that strengthen and support the entire choir team.”