For one ambitious Marion-Franklin High School student, a day's journey into the heart of educational leadership turned an ordinary October 15 into a snapshot of possibility. Kaleese Vickers-Ghee, a junior excelling in theater arts at Fort Hayes Career Center, was granted the chance to shadow Columbus City Schools Superintendent and CEO Dr. Angela Chapman, exploring the corridors of power that silently steer the everyday affairs of her school district. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to provide Kaleese with an opportunity to shadow me," Dr. Chapman told CCSOH. "She gets to see how we are working behind the scenes."
Her experience kicked off with a virtual meeting - a candid glimpse into the daily grind of district leadership. Vickers-Ghee was among four superior students selected for the Superintendent Student Ambassador (SSA) Program's Shadow District Leadership Series. "When I found out I was chosen to shadow Dr. Chapman, I was so excited! I had to tell everyone – it felt like I was meeting a celebrity," Vickers-Ghee expressed in an interview with CCSOH.
This initiative directly embodies the CCS's "Portrait of a Graduate," a visionary compass aiming to mold students with adaptability, effective communication, and technological adeptness. "The experiences our students are having today are directly connected to our district-wide goals," Dr. Chapman remarked to CCSOH, underscoring the alignment between individual student opportunities and the broader educational objectives.
The itinerary also included a significant stop at LifeTown Columbus, a learning center creating simulated real-world settings for students with special needs. "We are so proud to work with Columbus City Schools," said Rabbi Areyah Kaltmann, director of LifeTown Columbus, acknowledging the profound impact such partnerships have on empowering young individuals. For Vickers-Ghee, the excursion cemented a palpable appreciation for the support structures, particularly for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). "Dr. Chapman was already juggling two or three things before we even got to LifeTown. It's amazing how she stays on top of everything and still finds time to connect with people," Vickers-Ghee shared with CCSOH.
This behind-the-scenes tour culminated at a Board of Education meeting, where the district's governance was on full display. "I feel very honored to be at the Board meeting, and it was really interesting to hear the public comments," shared by CCSOH, Vickers-Ghee observed, expressing honor and intrigue in witnessing the democratic process unfold. Board President Christina Vera recognized the significance of student voices, encouraging Vickers-Ghee and another SSA member's commitment to educational and civic leadership.
In reflection, Dr. Chapman voiced her commitment to mentorship and engagement with the younger generation of leaders. "One lesson I hope Kaleese takes away from today is that leadership matters," she informed CCSOH. "Leadership is not about the position that you hold; it's about the way you approach your work and making sure that you have a voice in whatever it is that you're doing." Chapman's work ethic, dedication to her duties, and the act of mentorship serve as the unspoken curriculum Vickers-Ghee absorbed that day and education in leadership beyond the classroom.
