Through the Minnesota Association of Student Leaders (MASL), around 50 St. Francis Middle School students representing all three grades were selected to participate in a leadership development program during the 2025-26 school year. A kickoff event was held Oct. 27 where students participated in exercises that helped identify who they are as leaders and how they can improve, worked as small and large groups, played team building activities, and more.
The students selected were a mix of student council members and the Where Everybody Belongs (WEB) Team. The kickoff event was the first of seven connections the students will make with MASL throughout the year. View photos from the Oct. 27 event.
“The goal of this intense training with student leaders is to ensure that they have some of the basic leadership skills,” said Trisha Bemboom, Director of Student Activities for MASL. “The middle school years can be tough. We want to guide these students to feel comfortable helping build student voice in schools; promote a positive school culture and climate; and stop bullying.”
About the program: The program is designed to empower young leaders to take an active role in their schools, grow in their leadership skills, and create an inclusive school environment that amplifies student voice and increases participation. Through a combination of in-person training and virtual follow-up sessions, students will develop the skills needed to foster engagement, build school spirit, and strengthen their leadership impact.