On the foggy morning of Wednesday, September 25, Pryor administrators, alongside Muriel Summers, Global Ambassador for FranklinCovey's Leader in Me, and other representatives from the program, embarked on a district-wide tour to observe student leadership in action across Pryor’s campuses. Assistant Superintendent John Potter took the wheel of the Tiger bus, leading the group to their first stop at Lincoln Elementary.

Arriving at Lincoln through the lingering fog, the tour group was welcomed by Lincoln’s student leaders, who greeted them with handmade signs and handshakes. The energy was high as students, dressed in their house colors, prepared for the day’s house assembly. Once inside , Pryor Superintendent Dr. Lisa Muller led the way to the gym to witness Lincoln’s unique leadership structure: the campus is organized into eight "Habit Houses," which unite as one Lincoln family.

As a special moment, Dr. Muller spun the house placement wheel, securing her spot in the yellow-shirted House of Porta. The assembly was filled with excitement as students celebrated their achievements and embraced the community spirit.

The group then made their way to Roosevelt Elementary, which saw perhaps the most enthusiastic celebration of the day. Roosevelt was named a Leader in Me Legacy School this year, marking a monumental achievement for both the school and district. Principal Brian

Bradshaw, who initiated the school’s leadership journey in 2010, had set an ambitious goal for his staff and students. The culmination of that vision was realized with Roosevelt joining an exclusive global group.

"You are now part of a very elite group of schools around the world," explained Summers. "There are close to 8,000 [Leader in Me schools], but only 21 worldwide have received the distinguished honor of being a Legacy School."

The group then made their way to Roosevelt Elementary, which saw perhaps the most enthusiastic celebration of the day. Roosevelt was named a Leader in Me Legacy School this year, marking a monumental achievement for both the school and district. Principal Brian

Bradshaw, who initiated the school’s leadership journey in 2010, had set an ambitious goal for his staff and students. The culmination of that vision was realized with Roosevelt joining an exclusive global group.

"You are now part of a very elite group of schools around the world," explained Summers. "There are close to 8,000 [Leader in Me schools], but only 21 worldwide have received the distinguished honor of being a Legacy School."

After a spirited stop at Roosevelt, the tour continued to Pryor High School, where student leaders, the band, and choir greeted the visitors. High school students took pride in showcasing the variety of educational pathways available, from aviation and culinary arts to fine arts and anatomy and physiology sciences. Summers had conversations with students, who reflected on how the leadership principles they first encountered in elementary school have become essential tools in their daily lives.

The next stop was Jefferson Elementary, where 5th-grade student leaders guided the tour through the building, explaining how the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" are woven into every aspect of their school culture. The halls are lined with bulletin boards that reinforce leadership habits, serving as daily reminders and inspiration for students to take on leadership roles.

The group also visited the Pryor Innovation Center, a hub where high school students explore advanced manufacturing technology, robotics, and engineering. Here, students work on real-world applications, such as community problem-solving and pursuing Emergency Medical Technician certification.

The tour concluded at Pryor Middle School, where students led the visitors on a tour of their campus. The group gathered in the library for a question-and-answer session, where middle school students shared how they were building upon the leadership skills they had learned during their elementary years.

Throughout the tour, Pryor’s administrators and Leader in Me representatives witnessed the impact of a nearly 15-year investment in leadership education. What began as a district initiative to develop both academic excellence and character has now come full circle, with students at every grade level embodying the values of the Leader in Me program.

This tour underscored the district’s commitment to fostering future leaders, proving that Pryor Schools is cultivating successful students and empowering leaders ready to make a difference in their communities and beyond.