Rogers City Lifestyle teamed up with local high school journalism students on a series of articles about youth culture, business, and more. This article is part of the series, written by students from Rogers New Technology High School.
This year, the Rogers New Technology High School Wolves will become the Rogers Academy of Leadership and Innovation Vanguard. A vanguard—a group that leads the way—embodies a learning environment driven by the core values of leadership, service, and innovation.
Through project-based learning, community engagement, and learner empowerment, Rogers Academy of Leadership and Innovation focuses on developing young leaders. This year will be one of finding balance between the legacy established by learners from the past with the hope, work, and dreams driving the future of education. Whether a legacy of leadership and service, work ethic and drive, or culture and community, Rogers Academy of Leadership and Innovation continues to set the standard for empowering young people to lead and serve in their communities.
The Daylight Project by Katherine McClain and Natalia Acosta
In our junior year, we co-founded the Daylight Project, a community organization that empowers women across NWA through service, education, and connection. As women interested in predominantly male fields of study, we wanted to increase access to the resources and support necessary to reach their goals.
Through this experience, we have learned how meaningful community support can impact others. Through the challenges we've faced, like navigating tight deadlines, dealing with last-minute cancellations, coordinating dozens of moving parts, and facing rejection from potential partners, we have learned that progress comes
when we step into the future with purpose and resilience.
These moments taught us resilience and reminded us that real change requires adaptability and persistence. We won't wait for the world to change, we'll be the ones who change it, and make a future we’re proud of, for women across the country.
Mentorship by Brithney Gonzalez
Learner mentorship at Rogers New Technology is our largest legacy project where we build culture and create leadership opportunities.
Through collaboration, reflection and adaptation, we innovate and curate the program to our ever-changing learner body. Creating a culture that promotes growth and develops community that extends beyond one 45-minute block on Friday has taken work, and ultimately, has developed true leadership potential and skills for more than just a select few. This is yet another chapter of the legacy of the school, and I am extremely proud of the work that my team has put into making our unique and inclusive culture.
The next generation of leaders for the mentorship program for Rogers Academy of Leadership and Innovation are prepared to continue that legacy by honoring the leaders who came before. I hope they remember to be honest about their experiences, their failures, successes, and flaws. Going forward, I am excited to see how they build off of the legacy I left and create a legacy of their own.
Becoming the Vanguard
These are just two examples of leadership development, both within and outside the walls of our school. Project-based learning isn’t only about teaching the standards or checking off graduation requirements. The goal of facilitating the skills necessary for young people to take an active role in their communities and their worlds is the most important part.
"We won't wait for the world to change, we'll be the ones who change it."