After a challenging testing week, 8th grade students took leadership into their own hands—organizing a school-wide act of appreciation that impacted every student and staff member.
When Leadership Isn’t Assigned—It’s Chosen
My name is Credell “Coach Pete” Kitchen, and after a tough week of testing, something powerful happened inside one of the schools I work with.
My 8th grade PoM Squad—students in the Power of My Leadership program—decided they wanted to do something for their school.
No assignment.
No requirement.
No reward promised.
Just a decision.
They organized a school-wide candy giveaway, making sure every student and staff member received something.
On the surface, it looked simple.
But underneath… it was leadership in its purest form.
More Than Candy
This wasn’t about sweets.
It was about awareness.
These students recognized something most people overlook—
that their peers and teachers had just come through a stressful, exhausting week.
And instead of focusing on themselves…
They chose to give.
Every bag handed out carried a message:
You are supported.
You are appreciated.
You matter.
The Kind of Leadership We’re Building
In the Power of My Leadership program, we don’t just talk about leadership.
We practice it.
As a youth mentor and speaker, Credell “Coach Pete” Kitchen focuses on helping students understand that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about actions.
It’s about how you show up for others—especially when you don’t have to.
These students didn’t wait for instructions.
They created impact.
They saw a need… and responded.
That’s leadership.
A Lesson That Lasts
One of the ideas we reinforce in this program is simple:
Sometimes the reward for being someone sweet…
is getting something sweet.
But the real reward is deeper than that.
It’s becoming the type of person who:
• Pays attention to others
• Takes initiative
• Shows up with intention
• Leads without needing recognition
That’s a mindset that carries far beyond middle school.
Why This Matters for Schools
School culture isn’t built through assemblies alone.
It’s built through moments like this.
Moments where students take ownership.
Moments where kindness becomes action.
Moments where leadership becomes visible.
These are the experiences that shape identity.
And identity shapes outcomes.
Final Thought
I’m proud of this group.
Not because they organized a giveaway…
But because of what it represents:
Awareness.
Responsibility.
Leadership in motion.
This is what it looks like when students begin to understand their impact.
Bring This to Your School
If your school is looking to build student leadership, strengthen culture, and create real impact from within, connect with Credell “Coach Pete” Kitchen.
Programs like Power of My Leadership are designed to move students from passive participation to active leadership.
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