Saturday, February 23rd was a beautiful day at Chapman to be a Panther! Orange High School joined with the College of Educational Studies LEAD program for an enlightening and successful “Going Bananas for Leadership” Conference. 75 student leaders recommended by the OHS faculty enthusiastically arrived in their best jungle themed attire for a day planned – and delivered – exclusively by Chapman LEAD students, with active involvement by the Orange High Associated Student Body.

Leading up to the day, Chapman LEAD students Joseph Cho, Natalie Kotler, Christina Machgan, Bailey Maloney, Andy Salcido, Jesse Sopo, Justin Villasenor, Justine Volkman, and Steven Wilcox worked tirelessly under the guidance of LEAD faculty member Kimberly Hayashi to create a program that would be impactful, fun, and provide an experience to remember! Workshops were presented on self discovery, diversity, respect, accountability, team conduct, conflict, communication, and the pillar of our LEAD program, servant leadership.

Orange High School and Chapman students alike commented on the value of this experience as well as how great it was to be able to share and discover together. Jenny Arthur, OHS Activities Director, stated, “Your students are so amazing. They are wonderful role models for the kinds of college students OUR kids can become!”

This third annual conference is one of many programs and events to come as the CES/OHS “Project Panther Partner” team continues to collaborate! “Once a Panther, Always a Panther!”