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by Bradley Power
The past twelve months have been nothing short of unique for North Sanpete High. A worldwide pandemic, new administration, and three separate bell schedules have made this year something that will go down in the school’s history for years to come.
With brand-new leadership in the school, students and teachers have seen the core tenets of leadership manifest in our small community: perseverance, determination, and most importantly, connection.
“If you ask anyone in a leadership position, one of the first things they’ll tell you is how important connecting with individuals is,” said Principal Christine Straatman. “Sometimes, you don’t take the time to step back and connect with people as much as you’d like to. And yet, it’s one of the most important things a leader can do.”
In small communities like NS, it is almost easier to see the effects of leadership and connection. While outstanding leadership can change the world in some circumstances that are few and far between, leadership consistently does something, regardless of the circumstance: it helps a community become better together.
“Leadership is someone seeing a need and working out a plan or leading others to fulfill that need. It is hard because when you fail, everyone sees it,” said teacher Kaylene Johnson. “So it’s a risk-taking mission. If you decide to see the need and work to try to make things better, it is a risk.”
Nan Ault, who was principal at NS for eight years, was promoted to superintendent this year. Straatman, who was principal at Hunter High before coming to NS, sees the value in connection and exemplary leadership in a school.
“It’s almost difficult, in my professional career, to think of the many leadership figures and mentors who have had positive influences on me,” Straatman said. “We have a perfect example of what it takes to be a good leader in our superintendent, Nan Ault. What I really admire with Nan is she does listen; she’s always searching for solutions. We’re really fortunate to have in our district a superintendent that cares so much about our community and our kids and is willing to problem solve with you.”
Caring connection and solution-making can exceptionally impact communities, especially when those attributes come from leaders.
“It’s nice to have someone who’s gone before, who can show you the ropes,” Johnson said. “We want to be motivated and inspired, and it’s often people who do that.”
Interestingly, in today’s society, people sometimes see world leaders as distant, separate from ordinary people, even in the democracy of the United States. It is fortunate that on a small scale (arguably more important than the worldwide scale), leaders can genuinely connect and know those they lead.
“SBOs, they really have to like everyone, and they have to work at it if they don’t,” Johnson said. “I was a class officer, and I realized by the end of the year that I really liked everyone, even those I thought I didn’t like. But I had to make a conscious effort, and it started out with just going through the motions of being kind and saying hi, but then it became a real part of my life. And it really has to be, for any leader.”
True unity, facilitated by the natural potential for connection between human beings, can only be promoted by influential and loving leaders. The students of NS are fortunate to have many.
“When you connect with people, it makes you more authentic in what you do,” Straatman said. “When it’s authentic, people know you care about them. When you are in a situation where you’re connected and collaborating, and when you all know it’s a safe environment, and when individuals are connected and care about each other, I think there’s a more positive outcome.”
This year has indeed been challenging. Because of the strong leadership and connection between the members of this small community, NS can put its best foot forward next year, as it has for the past century.
