The Student-led Leadership Summit in December brought together emerging leaders from Dakota Collegiate Institute (DCI) to explore the idea that we are all leaders and that every leadership style holds value. Planned and facilitated by DCI's Student Advisory Council, the event offered a unique peer-driven space where participants could reflect on their own strengths, discover their leadership style, and consider how they show up in their schools and communities. All student clubs, groups, and committees were invited to participate, resulting in over fifty students participating in the summit.
The day also featured a keynote address by Jessica Chow, a DCI alum, who shared her personal journey of leadership from her time as a student leader at DCI to becoming team captain of the University of Regina Women's Soccer Team. Through her story, Jessica highlighted the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and leading with authenticity.
"The leadership summit was an honour to host," said Logan Tymchyshyn, a Grade 11 student involved with DCI's Student Advisory Council, Indigenous Youth Leadership, and Mino Ghiizigad. "Some highlights of mine include our keynote speaker Jessica Chow, who shared her inspiring story, starting from being a student leader at Dakota Collegiate to team captain on the University of Regina Women's soccer team. Her story, along with other activities, taught us a great lesson that we work best when we work together."
Throughout the summit, students engaged in collaborative activities and discussions focused on deepening self-awareness, considering various leadership roles, and gaining practical tools to lead with purpose.
A central theme of the day encouraged participants not only to grow as individual leaders, but also to think about how they can uplift and empower other youth ensuring more students feel invited, supported, and inspired to take on leadership opportunities, and join clubs, groups, and committees for a sense of belonging and purpose.
By the end of the event, attendees left with a stronger sense of identity as leaders, new connections with peers, and a renewed commitment to making a positive impact. The summit celebrated the diversity of leadership and reinforced the message that great leadership comes in many forms and every student has the potential to lead and inspire others.
