By Mark McQueen, Bay District Schools Superintendent
In a world where the virtues of respect and leadership are becoming increasingly vital, an inspiring initiative at Hutchison Beach Elementary School is paving the way for the leaders of tomorrow. The Boys On the Leadership Team (BOLT) program, under the extraordinary guidance of Principal Glenda Nouskhajian, is setting new standards for excellence in education. I am so proud of this program and the members of our Team of Teams who are making it happen.
The BOLT program is a testament to the power of investing in the future. These remarkable 4th and 5th graders, hand-selected for their exceptional qualities, are given the tools they need to flourish as ambassadors for their school and community. The entire initiative transcends traditional educational boundaries and ensures our young Dolphins are equipped with essential life skills and values that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Principal Nouskhajian, the driving force behind this program, is committed to the concept of leadership skills and training for her students and that fits perfectly with our vision for ALL BDS students. Nurturing positive leadership from a young age is pivotal to developing well-rounded individuals. Fortunately, several schools in our district have their own versions of programs like BOLT so that a plethora of students can benefit from learning qualities like respect, responsibility, and teamwork.
One unique aspect of the BOLT program, however, is the emphasis on presentation and conduct. These young leaders are taught that leadership goes beyond words; it’s also about how you present yourself to the world. When visitors come to the school or when the BOLT members are out in the community, they are dressed in sharp dress shirts and ties. This attire is symbolic of their commitment to excellence, their desire for high personal standards, and their readiness to represent their school with pride and professionalism. The dress code isn’t about superficiality; it’s about teaching students that discipline, respect and professionalism are important at all levels and in all settings.
The BOLT program at Hutchison Beach Elementary School is a shining example of what right looks like in education today and how our classroom instruction can extend beyond academics. But programs like these aren’t funded through traditional means, and I’m sharing their story with our community to both highlight and support the members of this program. The boys have an ongoing need for support in procuring their dress attire and funding field trips out into the community where they can learn from, and interact with, other community leaders.
If you’d like to help reinforce the values and leadership principals in this amazing program with a donation of dress shirts and ties, or funds for field trips, please reach out to Principal Nouskhajian today at nouskgt@bay.k12.fl.us or (850) 767-5195. Also, our BOLT leaders are always looking for community leaders who want to come and visit with the boys to share their leadership stories and/or skills.
Thank you for continuing to do such a fantastic job supporting not only our beach schools but all schools within the Bay District Schools network.
