When the Advanced Learning Academy (ALA) was founded in 2018, teachers were given an opportunity to design elective courses based on their passions, and Stephanie Cash, a founding English teacher, chose leadership. At previous schools, she had been the sponsor for student council and academic leadership organizations such as the National Hispanic Institute, but she recognized that these models elevated students who had already demonstrated leadership.

Cash, who is now principal of ALA, wanted an open access opportunity for students to grow their leadership, and she offered a leadership class. The class was recently re-introduced by English teacher Kristin Krenz, and three participating students presented at Wednesday’s Advanced Learning Academy Industry Advisory committee meeting.

ALA Senior Nathan Cadena is working on a project that he hopes will strengthen the bonds between the three schools at the Fox Tech campus: ALA, CAST Tech and Fox Tech-health & law, so that the history of Fox Tech is “celebrated and cherished” even as the school is reborn as three separate but connected entities. He feels a special pride because both his parents graduated from Fox Tech, and wants to bring the garden between the three schools, what he calls the heart of the campus, back to life as a gathering place with plants and benches. He envisions this as a lasting legacy.

One of the best parts of my day is seeing people from all three campuses talk together – This campus brings people together.

Leadership comes in many forms at CAST Schools, and in the ALA leadership class, students are acting as book buddies for younger students, mentoring and participating in service projects, as well as acting as ambassadors for campus visitors. 

One of the first things a visitor to a CAST School will notice is that tours are student-led, and student leadership expresses itself visibly. Students from the CAST Schools student advisory develop, plan and lead a day-long student conference for all CAST 10th graders, known as the Youth Rally. Seniors at several CAST Schools participate in “legacy” projects, identifying a way they can improve their school for those who come behind them. At CAST Teach, an annual project asks students to identify a practice or a policy they want to revamp.

Less visible are practices that the campuses employ, including monitoring which students have participated in leadership experiences, mentorship, and more, so as to encourage each student to identify a way in which they can advance in their own personal leadership journey.

Jeanne Russell

Executive Director

CAST Schools