Saint Edward Elementary School Receives Lighthouse School Designation

Cedar Valley Catholic Schools and Leader Valley are excited to announce that Saint Edward Elementary School has been recognized as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School. This milestone designation is awarded to schools that demonstrate discerning results in the areas of leadership, culture and academics.

Of the 5,000 Leader in Me schools in 55 countries, only 12% have received the distinction of Lighthouse School. Saint Edward Elementary is the 6th Leader Valley School to receive this prestigious honor. Read more.

Leader in Me Receives $50,000 in Federal Funding

The Community Project Funding allows certain federal funds to be directed toward a state, locality, or eligible nonprofit serving a Congressional district through the Appropriations process.

This process allows taxpayer dollars to be reinvested in Iowa’s First Congressional District and provides Members of Congress with input over spending on eligible projects, rather than deferring to bureaucrats in the Executive Branch to make these decisions.

Each Member of Congress can advocate for ten eligible projects to receive federal funding. Leader in Me was one of around 200 applicants that submitted a request to Congresswoman Ashley Hinson for funding and was the only project selected from Black Hawk County.

“Through Leader in Me, we are making an investment in our future talent pool by equipping students with the leadership and employability skills they need to be prepared for career, college and citizenship,” Dr. Melissa Reade said. Read more.

Student Leader Up Leadership Tip

Leader Up is a short series of videos where Leader Valley staff, educators, and students share quick leadership lessons that we can use in our work and at home.

One lesson within Leader in Me is the importance of goal setting. A Janesville student named Brady shares his WIG (wildly important goal), and why it is important to him.

Introducing The Leader Valley Council

One key ingredient to Leader Valley’s ability to provide Leader in Me to our Cedar Valley students is our dedicated volunteers. This month, we’d like to feature our Leader Valley Council Vice-Chair, Bryan Earnest.

Bryan Earnest is the President & CEO of AMPERAGE Marketing & Fundraising in Cedar Falls and is a Waterloo West and Iowa State University graduate. Bryan first got involved with Leader Valley when his sons were attending a Leader in Me school.

Bryan says he feels a sense of responsibility and pride to serve on the Leader Valley Council because he knows what a significant impact the work has on students, educators, parents, and our business community in the Cedar Valley.

As Bryan puts it, “Leader in Me is a game changer in our schools. It’s not just a program or just 7 catchy phrases. It is truly a difference maker for every student from the inside out. It makes the Cedar Valley a special place. A place full of leaders- today, and well into the future. Leader in Me is the real deal.”

Donor Spotlight

Leader Valley would like to thank Lincoln Savings Bank for its ongoing support of students and educators in the Cedar Valley.

Check out this thank you message from Lincoln Elementary Leader in Me students.

"We are honored to partner with Leader Valley and its Leader In Me program. Lincoln Savings Bank’s own core values of building strong communities, cultivating relationships and fostering talent align perfectly with the skills developed by this program.

Lincoln Savings Bank is excited to see the implementation and execution of this program in our community and the impact it will have on our future generations."

Erik Skovgard, CEO & President

Upcoming Leader Valley Golf Tournament

Leader Valley Twilight Golf Fundraiser

July 15, 2022 @ 4:15PM — 9:00PM

Sunnyside Country Club: 1600 Olympic Dr Waterloo, IA 50701

Support our future Cedar Valley leaders by joining us for this inaugural twilight golf fundraiser. All proceeds from this event will provide Leader in Me students in our communities with the skills and habits they need to be successful students and strong leaders.

Leader Valley prepares Pre-K-12 students for life by providing them with the essential employability or professional skills needed for a life of effectiveness and a competitive advantage in the workforce.