USCHS Leadership Academy serves over 100 students

As incoming freshmen, Upper St. Clair students have the opportunity to participate in Phase I and can progress through to Phase IV as rising seniors. New this year, Phase III was offered as a College in High School course that offers college credit through a partnership with the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Dan Beck, assistant principal, provides oversight for the program.

“By integrating interactive activities, real-world insights, and advanced theories from collegiate-level courses, the program ensures that students not only learn about leadership but also apply these principles effectively in real-world scenarios,” Dr. Beck said. “This comprehensive approach emphasizes practical application alongside theoretical learning, fostering meaningful development in leadership capabilities.”

Students in this year’s Leadership Academy were led by Mr. Chad Ebrecht, Mr. Ben Edwards, Ms. Laura Carlino, Mr. Chris Watkinson, Mr. Jake Reis, Ms. Nikki Coellea, Ms. Miranda Jasper, Ms. Erika Valentine and Dr. Steve Torquato.

In Phase I, students engaged in interactive activities, self-reflection and practical leadership scenarios, embodying the program’s principle - Who you are is how you lead.

“Phase I proved to be a success,” Dr. Beck said. “Throughout the week, students developed S.M.A.R.T. goals that aligned with their personal visions and honed their teamwork and communication skills at the Camp Guyasuta Ropes Course. Moreover, they deepened their understanding of 10 core values, which are essential for thriving in any leadership role.”

In Phase II, students began by exploring servant, visionary, and relational leadership styles.

“It was a week dedicated to learning and applying leadership skills,” Dr. Beck said. “We invited speakers from the State Police and other local leaders to discuss practical leadership skills and address challenging topics, such as how to respectfully disagree.”

Through field trips to The Education Partnership, Breakout Escape Rooms and North Park, students had the opportunity to practice the leadership skills discussed in class. As a culminating activity, Phase II students partnered with the Upper St. Clair Township Library and Gilfillan Farms to host its second community fair.

“Each pair of students was tasked with creating, planning, and running an activity for children,” Dr. Beck said. “The event was a success, drawing support from more than 100 community members.”

Phases I and II were week-long experiences. Phase III - Theories of Leadership College in High School (CHS) course spanned six weeks. Designed by Upper St. Clair faculty members in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, Phase III acquainted students with the multiple theories and practices associated with effective leadership. 

“Addressing the question ‘What is leadership?,’ students explored topics such as historical and modern definitions of leadership, ethics and various leadership theories,” Dr. Beck said. “The goal was for students to apply their lessons in this engaging and educational six-week course.”

Established in 2010, the Upper St. Clair’s Leadership Academy was nationally recognized with a Magna Award from the National School Boards Association’s magazine, American School Board Journal, in 2013. 

“The Leadership Academy represents a dynamic and progressive approach to leadership education, adapting and expanding to meet the evolving needs of its students,” Dr. Beck said. “Through a balanced blend of practical exercises, exposure to real-life leadership challenges, and theoretical insights from advanced studies, the academy equips students to apply their knowledge effectively beyond the classroom. This holistic educational model not only cultivates deep understanding but also prepares students to execute leadership roles with competence and confidence, truly embodying the principles they have learned.”