Leadership in Action: Transforming Lives and Strengthening Communities at Chandler High School

The educational ecosystem of Chandler High School (CHS) in Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) is vast; 3,000 students attend CHS, so the concept of leadership cannot simply be a poster on a wall. Leadership must be action. 

For the past three years, Chandler High has distinguished itself as a "CHARACTER COUNTS!" school, a designation that is a promise to improve civility through the six traits of character development: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship which align with CUSD’s Portrait of a Learner traits: adaptability, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, empathy, and being a global citizen.

This commitment to character took center stage on February 3, when 40 Chandler High School juniors participated in the Donna and Darnell Pettengill Civic Leadership Academy. This prestigious one-day leadership program, hosted by The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, provided a unique platform for students to pause, reflect, and strategize on how to make a tangible difference in their world.

The Academy Experience

The Donna and Darnell Pettengill Civic Leadership Academy is a premier program designed to cultivate leadership, communication, and civic engagement skills through immersive activities and guided reflection. This year’s event at Chandler High School marked a significant milestone in the program’s history. For the past three years, the Academy has been exclusively held on the Drake University campus; this event represented the very first time the curriculum has been delivered outside of Iowa. Adding to the significance of the occasion was a personal connection: Donna and Darnell Pettengill, both Drake graduates and the program's benefactors, have recently relocated to Arizona. Their move allowed them to be in attendance, offering them a front-row seat to see their legacy of leadership take root in a new community.

In a world that often prizes speed over substance, this experience offered students time to think. Students explored their personal leadership strengths, practiced effective communication, and worked in teams to design an Impact Project focused on making a positive difference in their school or community.

The facilitators from The Ray Center brought a wealth of knowledge, rooted in the philosophy that we can "transform lives and strengthen communities" by returning to the basics of human interaction. The training emphasized a simple yet profound truth: It is easy to do the right thing. However, "easy" does not always mean "common." In a high school environment, sticking to what is right requires courage. It requires a conscious decision to be nice and to ask oneself, "What can I do to treat people with respect?"

From Theory to Practice: Community Impact Projects

The core of the Academy’s curriculum was not just introspection, but execution. The students were tasked with creating specific Community Impact Project proposals. These projects prove that leadership comes in many forms, from logistical improvements within the school to compassionate outreach in the city.

Revitalizing School Culture

Two students, Austin and Alex, recognized that in a school of 3,000 kids, effective communication is often a hurdle. If students are unaware of events, they cannot participate; if they cannot participate, they may not feel a sense of belonging.

Austin and Alex proposed a comprehensive revitalization of Student Bulletin Boards for advertising clubs, sports, even student businesses. Their proposal addresses a need for connection. By revitalizing the physical and social marketplaces of the school, they aim to ensure that every student is informed.

Healing Through Harmony

While Austin and Alex focused on the internal culture of CHS, another student, Kaylee, looked outward toward the broader Chandler community. Her Community Impact Project proposes taking a string quartet to play in local hospitals.

Kaylee’s vision encapsulates the empathetic side of leadership. It answers the deeper question posed during the training: "What is it you want to do with that free time?" For Kaylee, the answer is service. Her project recognizes that leadership is about using your unique talents to help others heal.

Lessons Learned: The Student Perspective

The one-day program was intense and immersive. The facilitators set clear expectations and ground rules immediately, utilizing positive reinforcement to build confidence. They taught the students that an effective leader uplifts and builds deep, meaningful relationships with others.

The Academy encouraged students to look at their own behaviors critically. This vulnerability is the hallmark of the Donna and Darnell Pettengill Civic Leadership Academy; it fosters a safe space where growth is prioritized.

The Philosophy: You Get Out What You Put In

The connection to Drake University is significant. Known for hosting major leadership events every summer, the Ray Center’s presence at Chandler High brings a collegiate level of character education to the high school level. By integrating the "Six Pillars of Character," the program reinforces the school's existing culture while pushing students to aim higher.

The message was clear: Leadership will take you many places. It is a vehicle for personal and professional growth. But more importantly, it is the mechanism by which we improve civility. In an era where discourse can often be divisive, these students are learning to build bridges.

Conclusion: A Future of Character

The legacy of the Donna and Darnell Pettengill Civic Leadership Academy will not be found solely in the one-day workshop, but in what happens next. To the students, staff, and community, the message is clear: Leadership is not a title you hold; it is an action you take. Thanks to the partnership with The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, Chandler High students are better equipped than ever to build upon the already established CHARACTER COUNTS! framework and strengthen their community—one project at a time.