LIT: Leaders in Training

06/12/2026

Ownership is an important component of leadership. Strong leaders don't spend their time making excuses, blaming others, or waiting for someone else to solve the problem. Instead, they take responsibility for their choices, attitudes, and actions.

Ownership says:
"I made a mistake, and I can learn from it."
"This challenge is difficult, but I can face it."
"I may not control every circumstance, but I can control my response."

Ownership asks:�"What can I do next?"�"How can I improve?"
“What should I have done differently?"

Ownership isn't about being perfect. It's about having the humility to learn, the courage to take responsibility, and the determination to keep moving forward.

The moment we stop making excuses and start taking ownership is often the moment real growth begins.

Because leadership doesn't start with influence over others. It starts with responsibility for yourself.

06/10/2026

Thank you notes are a game changer for leaders. There is never a bad time to write and mail a thank you!

06/08/2026

Dinner Table Leadership 🍽️

Great leaders aren't built in big moments alone like in the classroom, on the field, or a stage. They’re shaped through small, everyday conversations, choices, and lessons that happen over time.

This summer, we're inviting families to turn ordinary dinner conversations into opportunities for leadership growth. Through simple questions and meaningful discussions, you can help the young people in your life develop confidence, character, responsibility, and a strong sense of purpose.

Because leadership isn't just taught—it's cultivated one conversation at a time.

This week ask your child:

"What is one challenge you overcame recently?"

Then celebrate the effort, perseverance, and growth you see in them.

06/08/2026

06/06/2026

Pouring into others is rewarding, but even the strongest leaders need time to recharge. Summer is a reminder that rest is not a reward for hard work—it is preparation for future impact.

What's one thing helping you refill your tank this summer?

05/11/2026

As a leader, others may never fully see the weight you carry behind the scenes.

They may not see the difficult decisions you have to make. The pressure of trying to guide others well. The responsibility you feel to protect, encourage, teach, support, and lead. Or the sacrifices that often come quietly with leadership.

And sometimes, if you’re honest, leadership can feel exhausting.

But never underestimate the impact of your steady presence.

Every encouraging conversation matters. Every moment of patience matters. Every time you choose integrity, consistency, and compassion—it matters.

Even on the days when progress feels slow or unnoticed, your leadership is still shaping people around you.

"Press forward. Do not stop, do not linger in your journey, but strive for the mark set before you." - George Whitefield

Keep leading well. Your impact is greater than you can see.

05/08/2026

One of the most important lessons we teach in LIT Club is that strong leaders are outward-focused leaders — people who recognize needs, care about others, and take action to make a difference.

This year, our students put servant leadership into action through their end-of-year service project supporting our local animal shelter. Students collected and donated items to help care for animals in need, showing that even small acts of kindness can create meaningful impact.

Projects like this help shape character.

When students learn to serve others, they begin developing compassion, responsibility, humility, and empathy; qualities that matter far beyond the classroom. They learn that leadership is not only about what you accomplish for yourself, but also about how you use your life to help others.

We are proud of our students at Benjamin Rush Middle School for choosing to lead with kindness and purpose. 💙

05/06/2026

Maybe you’ve made mistakes.
Maybe you’ve walked through seasons you wish you could redo.
Maybe there are moments in your life you wish you could erase completely.

And if you're honest, part of you may wonder if your past will always follow you as though it's destined to determine your future.

But hear this:

Your past does not define you, nor disqualify you from a bright future.

The mistakes you’ve made do not cancel your value. In many ways, they become part of your testimony—proof that growth, change, and redemption are possible.

The hard seasons you’ve faced do not remove your purpose. They build resilience, strengthen perspective, and fine-tune character in ways "easy seasons" never could.

And the chapter you’re in right now is not the end of your story. It’s simply a chapter still being written—a season that can prepare you for something greater ahead.

Growth is still possible.
Healing is still possible.
Leadership, purpose, stability, and transformation are still within reach.

Keep going.
Try again.

One day, you won't be the only one benefiting from your transformation. Your story just might be the inspiration and road map someone needs to release their past and create a bright future.

Transformation is always possible!
One decision at a time.
One step at a time.

04/29/2026

What happens when students are given the space to grow, lead, and be heard?

This year, our LIT Club students at Benjamin Rush Middle School said it best:

✨ 93% shared that LIT strengthened their self-confidence and leadership skills
✨ 100% said they had fun and truly enjoyed the experience

But beyond the numbers, their voices tell the real story.

Students shared what they’ve learned—and the choices they’re inspired to make because of LIT:
• Be more determined
• Get better grades
• Stand up for myself
• Not say “maybe” — knowing how I will respond to pressure and temptation
• Push myself to be better
• Push for my goals
• Say no to drugs
• Help and support people
• Give back, like donating to a local shelter
• Do not give in to peer pressure
• Make good choices

This is why we do what we do.

When young people begin to see their value, their voice, and their potential… everything starts to change.

04/13/2026

“The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.”

Take a moment to reflect:

• Do I follow through on what I say I’ll do?
• How do I respond when things don’t go my way?
• Am I consistent, or only motivated when it’s convenient?
• Do I treat everyone with respect?
• Do my daily habits reflect the person I want to become?
• Would others describe my standards the same way I do?

Growth isn’t always found in the next leadership course or book — it’s often built in the quiet, internal work: your discipline, your mindset, your integrity, and the standards you choose to live by each day.

Know your standards.
Set them high.
Leading yourself well will elevate those around you.

Your life will rise to the level of the standard you’re willing to keep.