On the evening of Thursday, March 26th, students from Strayer Middle School were honored for exemplifying the skills of a Self-Directed Leader, part of the QCSD’s “Portrait of a Graduate.” The “Portrait” is a collective vision crafted by educational stakeholders, outlining the skills, attributes, and knowledge QCSD students should possess by the time they graduate. Throughout the year, students are recognized each month who demonstrate leadership in a key skill outlined in our “Portrait”:
Effective Communicators
Problem Solvers
Relationship Builders
Critical Thinkers
Self-Directed Leaders
This month, students in our middle schools and high schools were recognized for being “Self-Directed Leaders.”
What is a Self-Directed Leader?
Self-directed leaders are proactive, goal-oriented individuals who take initiative, demonstrate accountability, manage time efficiently, and continuously seek personal and professional growth while inspiring and collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
Congratulations to our outstanding student leaders:
Vijay Nong (8th Grade) - "Vijay took his passion for the environment and turned it into action by founding the Eco-Action Environmental Club at Strayer. His initiative ensures that our commitment to sustainability is student-led and future-focused."
Korbin Smith (8th Grade) - "Korbin exemplifies the quiet strength of a self-directed leader. Without ever seeking the spotlight, Korbin consistently takes the initiative and makes thoughtful decisions that lift up our entire school community."
Logan Rodgers (8th Grade) - "Logan has shown incredible personal growth this year. He has emerged as a leader who is deeply committed to making responsible, purposeful choices, proving that leadership is a journey of continuous improvement."
Gabrielle Slabek (8th Grade) - "Gabrielle demonstrates exceptional ownership of her work. By leading with purpose and overcoming obstacles with resilience, she has set a powerful example of what it means to lead through adversity."
Gavin Yakub (7th Grade) - "Gavin is growing every day in his confidence. He is becoming a self-directed leader who carefully chooses the paths that will lead to his - and his peers' - continued success."
Brock Pursell (7th Grade) - "Brock is a proactive leader in every sense of the word. He doesn't wait to be prompted; instead, he identifies opportunities for growth and acts on them immediately to improve the world around him."
Jessica Karlton-Senaye (7th Grade) - "We are so proud to recognize Jessica. She has distinguished herself as a self-directed leader who takes charge of her own learning and serves as a model of dedication for her classmates."
Anisa Graham (7th Grade) - "Anisa is the definition of a self-directed learner. Whether it was requesting to join a Spanish class and independently catching up on missed material, or collaborating with teachers to reach her highest potential, Anisa's drive and accountability make her a true role model."
Congratulations again to all our Self-Directed Leaders, and thank you for being such incredible role models for Strayer Middle School.