Kent City — Students at Kent City Elementary heard a valuable lesson on leadership and healthy habits last week from none other than the Detroit Lions.
Coaches from the Lions’ Football Education Department and extra-special guest Roary, the Lions’ mascot, visited the school for an interactive assembly called “Leaders for Life.” The program is designed to teach students in grades K-5 about becoming a successful leader in all facets of life.
With many dressed in Lions gear or Honolulu Blue, the students needed little prompting from Roary to get hyped up as they learned about key character traits including ambition, listening, discipline, education and responsibility. Of particular interest was a spirited push-up contest between Roary, fifth-grade teacher Steve Powers and third-grade teacher Madeline Sturgis as kids learned the importance of encouragement.
The presentation also highlighted the importance of nutrition, fitness, and setting and achieving goals.
The visit was arranged by KCE administrative assistant and self-described Lions “major super-fan” Deb Williams, who had read about the assembly in School News Network and thought it would be a perfect complement to KCE’s positive behavior initiatives.
“I think it totally aligned with everything we’re trying to teach our students about being a positive role model, bringing a positive culture to our school and doing your best while you’re here,” Williams said. “We also have nutrition classes that we have recently been doing with our kids and that fit in so well.”
Art teacher Melissa Anys said Roary was the perfect messenger, enabling some students to hear important lessons in a new way.
“(Roary) was incredibly entertaining and held the kids’ attention while also being very educational and talking about these very important life skills that they need,” Anys said. “And it’s great to see that presented in a different, sports-related way. I hope that they start to notice other ways that they can be leaders in life, not just in school but outside of school.”
As part of the visit, the Lions organization also gave the school flag-football supplies to encourage kids to stay active while practicing these leadership skills and positive behaviors.
Read more from Kent City:
• Young leaders find their place at the table on student council
• High-schoolers, second-graders team up for book project
