Marking its 20th year, the Leadership and Community class at LCSD has become a cornerstone for student leadership and community engagement. In 2004, with the support of Principal Harry DeCook, Dr. Barr piloted the Leadership Class to foster a sense of community and instill the foundations of leadership in LCSD youth. “The class was inspired by observing our students naturally assume leadership roles and their enthusiasm for giving back to the community,” said Dr. Barr. "Our goal was to provide students with leadership opportunities within a structured classroom environment, allowing them to acquire skills and experiences they can use throughout high school and beyond.”
Under the current guidance of Ms. Erica Gansz, an alumna and passionate teacher in her third year teaching the Leadership and Community Class, the class has doubled and now hosts over 30 students. Her dedication stems from a strong connection to her hometown roots and a commitment to building future community leaders. "We should be proud of our community; there are so many good things that happen here, and this class aims to create a ripple effect of positive change," Ms. Gansz shares.
The program has evolved over the years to focus on leadership development and self-awareness. It emphasizes the essentials of leading oneself, leading others, and demonstrating leadership in action by contributing to the community. This year, students have applied these principles by supporting various community events such as Pumpkin Palooza, Trunk or Treat, the Embrace Your Sister’s Breast Cancer Outreach Campaign, decorating the park, Fall Fest, and so much more. These experiences provide hands-on opportunities that shape their growth as leaders.
Additionally, students have taken the initiative to coordinate projects from ideation to execution, like Kids Night Out in December, where they develop organizational and leadership skills while providing childcare, allowing parents to manage their holiday to-do lists. Another highlight is the ever-popular Lyons vs. Clyde-Savannah Faculty Scholarship Game, along with the authentic passion projects generated by the Advanced Leadership students. A few notable passion projects from this year's class include a formalwear drive, a 5K fundraiser, and the inaugural Grandslam Giveback Softball Tournament, where students raised over $2,000 for the Golisano Children’s Hospital. Each of these projects showcases the civic leadership that is embedded in the program's rich history.
Reflecting on the legacy, Ms. Gansz notes that alumni from this class have made meaningful contributions in various fields. Taylor Carter-DiSanto graduated from Lyons in 2014 and has established a successful career in both the White House and the City of Baltimore after earning her law degree from Syracuse University. Taylor remarked, "The highlights of my time at Lyons High School are countless, but if I had to choose one experience that truly laid the foundation for my career, it would be the Leadership Class. While core subjects are essential, the Leadership class offered something unique: the personal growth and character development that shaped my perspective on what I could achieve. In that class, I acquired real-life skills, built confidence, and ignited a passion for making a difference. Those lessons didn't just remain within the classroom walls; they became the driving force behind my journey."
As the Leadership and Community class celebrates its milestone year, the goal remains clear: cultivating thoughtful, capable leaders equipped to positively impact wherever life takes them. The program’s growth and success underscore the importance of investing in students, who, as Ms. Gansz observes, "continue to become successful members of their communities" beyond the classroom.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Lyons Leadership and Community Class, the current class invites all alumni to join the celebration on June 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Lyons Middle/High School. Alumni are asked to RSVP by June 6th using the link provided: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLUehgghLqCetHSexJmQC_J8wlfOhjrvdo4_38llBQhSzruQ/viewform
Some images reflecting the history of the Lyons Leadership & Community Class
