Alumni Extravaganza

Happy New Year from Worthington Kilbourne High School!

 

As most leaders do, I too set goals for myself and for our school at the start of the 2013-14 school year.  I put these goals in writing in our August Newsletter that goes out to our entire school community.  Putting goals in writing helps me be more accountable, but I must admit, I was skeptical about reaching my goal of hosting an "Alumni Extravaganza" for our school community. 

"Where would I begin?  How would I organize such an event?  Would I have the time?  Are students and staff really interested in such an event?  ...and so on"

I should have known that our students would come through and help me make this happen.  After reading my August Newsletter, our IB Business teacher, Mrs. Kucharek, shared my letter with her class as she thought it was important to help them understand my goals.  They shared a strong interest in the "Alumni Extravaganza" vision and asked Mrs. Kucharek when it was going to happen.  Mrs. Kucharek and I spoke and I shared with her that I did not think I would have time to accomplish such a task.  It was almost as if she was happy to hear these words and immediately said with much excitement, "Can we help you?"  I was thrilled and thus I began a partnership with Mrs. Kucharek and her IB Business students. 

In early October, I shared my "dream vision" with our IB Business class.  I was their client and they treated me as such.  They listened to my ideas and asked me back to their classroom several times until we agreed on a plan.  I continued to work with them, but I must admit, they took this plan over and I am thankful they did.  I am so proud to say that this event was better than my original plan because the students were in charge.  They took over and "owned" this project under the direction of their teacher.  It is amazing what happens when we give the ownership to our students!

 

The big day took place on the day we returned from Winter Break, Thursday, January 2, 2014.  We had approximately 40 Kilbourne graduates return and speak with current students in small group settings in our library.  Student questions included; “How has Kilbourne prepared you for the future?, What suggestions would you give to our current students about class selection?,  Should I take more IB, Honors and/or AP classes to help prepare for college?,  What is dorm- life like?,  How did you choose your college?  How much do college admissions look at your GPA?  ACT/SAT scores?,  Do college admissions really Google me to learn more about me as a person?,  How did you meet new friends in college?,  Did you have a job while in high school/college?,  How did you make new friends in college?,  When did you decide on a major?,  What if I do not like my college professor?,  Will my professor know me and how do I get academic assistance if I need it?,  How do you balance college athletics and your studies?,  How important is note-taking? Etc...”  The questions continued to grow as the conversations grew.  It was so exciting to watch our current students learn from our Alumni.  Although they only had a class period, I truly believe our students took away very valuable information that they will be able to use as they begin to research their post-secondary future. 

 

A big “Shout-Out” to our Kilbourne Alumni, IB Business Class and Mrs. Kucharek for continuing to make great things happen!