N O RT H E R N C O N N E C T I O N
EDUCATI N GUIDE 2020 Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today! Oakland Catholic Partners with Outdoor Odyssey Leadership Academy
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eadership development is integral to the OC educational experience - even when school is not in session! Thanks to the newly established Leadership Fund, 10 rising Oakland Catholic Juniors participated in the pilot of a partnership between Oakland Catholic High School and Outdoor Odyssey in June. Established in 1998 on 500 acres in the Laurel Highlands, Outdoor Odyssey provides a unique wilderness experience that incorporates leadership skills,
high adventure and team building into a week-long curriculum. Graduates of this Leadership Academy then cultivate their new skills by mentoring peers and younger students the following school year. Ten rising Juniors accepted the invitation to represent Oakland Catholic, stepping up to the challenges presented with great success. For one week in June, they faced adversities and obstacles, pushed themselves far outside their comfort zones and managed
the group dynamics that every leader must face as she figures out curve balls thrown in her direction, while maintaining a positive attitude and encouraging those around her. Chaperoned by English teacher Jane Jeffries, OCHS’08,
with assistance from President Mary Claire Kasunic, Principal Marisa Greco, and School Counselors Elyse Lanzendorfer and Angela Orbin, the group took on physical challenges such as a high ropes course, a tower climb, zipline escape, a strenuous hike in the rain with camping gear and spelunking in Bear Cave. The young women engaged daily in leadership discussion sessions, debriefing conversations after challenges and motivational strategizing. Based on leadership principles that apply to everyday work, life and relationships, the ultimate goal of this high adventure experience is to build confidence while instilling ideas on how to become a more effective leader. The individual is definitely a focus, but the program also prioritizes team via communication, trust, cooperation and the acceptance of all members. Oakland Catholic looks forward to sending another cohort of OC Leaders to Outdoor Odyssey next June! n
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JANUARY 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
