“Olympic” Leadership Workshop Launches Immaculate Heart’s School Year

In honor of Olympic Games Rio 2016, Immaculate Heart High School held its own “Leadership Workshop Olympic Games” for students to hone organizational skills and compete in friendly challenges before the start of classes this week.

Each year approximately 150 IH students, representing nearly a third of the student body, engage in leadership roles on campus by serving in student council and club board positions of responsibility. The annual leadership workshop, hosted by Associated Student Body officers, gives these students the chance to formulate ideas, plan upcoming activities, and gear up for a new school year.

According to ASB President Oona Holahan, the 95 students who attended the August 11th conference represented the student council, four class boards and nearly 30 clubs and student-run organizations on campus, including Immaculate Heart’s newest offerings, the Chess Club and Pop Culture Association.

This year’s event addressed a range of topics, including responsibility and accountability, tips for public speaking, how to craft a mission statement, and even ways to maintain a healthy balance between extracurricular activities and school.

Between sessions, students also participated in their own fun versions of “Olympic” games, including “Gold Metal Cup Stacking” and a “Visual Scavenger Hunt” that saw students scouring the campus to capture images of school landmarks.

“Our games may not have been televised like when Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky won the gold, but, arguably, they were equally challenging and character building,” said Holahan with a smile.

On a more serious note, the senior pointed out, “Not only was our Olympic theme timely, it also helped emphasize the importance of student leadership. It was amazing to see almost 100 students voluntarily gathering during their last days of summer break and then sharing with the school community. Like Olympians, our student leaders have worked hard to arrive at where they are now. They are also ready and willing to put in more work in order to create a successful future for themselves, their peers, and the entire Immaculate Heart school community,” she added.

Immaculate Heart’s high school classes start Thursday, August 18th, with Immaculate Heart’s middle school opening its doors on Monday, August 22.

About Immaculate Heart

Founded in 1906, Immaculate Heart educates young women in grades sixth through 12th from its central location in the Los Feliz foothills near Griffith Park in Hollywood. The school has a long and distinguished history, with more than 10,000 graduates. Today’s student body of more than 700 young women is both geographically and ethnically diverse, drawing on students from throughout Los Angeles County. Last year, virtually 100 percent of Immaculate Heart graduates matriculated to colleges, including the most prestigious schools in the country.

Immaculate Heart High School and Middle School, 5515 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, (323) 461-3651 or visit www.immaculateheart.org.