Leadership can start with something as simple as a playground game.

“Ring around the Rosie, pocket full of posey,” echoes across the Cole Elementary playground as kindergartners form a circle, holding hands. Guiding them are fifth grade girls from She Leads, a program that helps students build leadership skills through kindness, collaboration and confidence.

Led by school counselor Hillary Wycoff and inspired by the Cole Professional Academy, She Leads invites guest speakers throughout the year to help girls explore different careers and discover how women use leadership to make a difference in their communities.

“I want them to see how basic leadership skills—respect, listening, collaboration—can be used to solve problems and inspire others,” says Wycoff. “These are skills the girls can practice in their own lives.”

For fifth grader Clara Gearhart, the experience has already made an impact. “What we’re learning will help me later on—it’ll open doors,” she says. “We’ve learned it’s okay not to fit the mold. Be yourself.”

Her classmate Kinsley Beck adds, “It’s about respecting others and sharing ideas. Projects turn out better when everyone contributes.”

At Wainwright Middle School, the EmpowHer program is helping girls carry that same confidence forward. Led by student support specialist Dawn Lamb, the group meets regularly to talk through topics like peer pressure, rumors, gossip and the influence of social media.

“I joined this group because it’s a great opportunity to build confidence in myself and other girls in my grade,” says seventh grader Isabella Wykoff. “We talk about insecurities and how to reframe them into good traits.”

Classmate Lynlee Peters admits the group wasn’t what she expected. “I thought we would just sit there and talk about our feelings, but it’s so much more. We do activities, have fun, and learn real skills. Mrs. Lamb does a terrific job of teaching us how to avoid drama and be better friends.”

Lamb says she’s seen a real difference. “The girls are more self-aware and confident. They’re holding each other accountable, especially when it comes to social media and resolving conflicts in a healthy way.”

Lynlee agrees. “When Mrs. Lamb gave us a challenge to not gossip for one week, we held ourselves accountable. I love seeing my peers be better versions of themselves, but most of all, I love that this group makes me a better version of myself.”

From playground games to thoughtful conversations, these programs at Cole Elementary and Wainwright Middle School are helping girls grow into leaders who lift others up—and lead the way forward.