Queen Creek’s Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary earns special certification

By embodying its motto of “everyone has genius, and everyone can be a leader,” Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary has earned its Lighthouse Certification through the national Leader in Me program.

Schools that earn this certification demonstrate “a high level of leadership and academic achievement that extends beyond staff to students and the community,” according to a press release from the Queen Creek Unified School District.

Recently, the school held a Lighthouse assembly to “celebrate with all of our students and staff that we are a model Leader in Me school,” Principal Dawn Harrington stated.

“This special honor represents every student, every teacher and staff member, and our entire school community,” she stated. “It recognizes all we’ve put into living the eight habits, showing leadership, setting goals and helping each other grow.”

Leadership skills developed at Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary through the Leader in Me program have a school-wide impact.

“Every day, we’re proving that leadership isn’t about being in charge — it’s about making positive choices and making a difference wherever we are,” Harrington stated.

When asked how earning this certification felt, Harrington stated that she was proud of students, teachers and staff “for making our school a place where everyone belongs, everyone can lead and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”