“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” -Harriet Tubman
From February 14th-16th, students at Kempsville High School stepped away from their usual routines and immersed themselves in a weekend designed to inspire, challenge, and develop leadership skills.
The 22nd annual Kempsville High School Leadership Workshop (KHSLW) provided an opportunity for underclassmen to grow as leaders, with this year’s theme, “Begin with a Dream,” based on a quote from Harriet Tubman, setting the stage for self-discovery and teamwork.
Leadership Workshop, an event deeply rooted in Kempsville’s culture, is designed to foster leadership and school spirit by engaging students in team-building activities, skits, chants, and service projects. Participants, known as delegates, are divided into councils and guided by student staff members who have previously experienced the program. The goal is to encourage students to apply their leadership skills in school activities and within the Kempsville community.
For Mrs. Mounce, a teacher at Kempsville and a KHSLW advisor, Leadership Workshop is more than just a weekend event, it’s a tradition. Having first attended as a junior in 2008, she has seen firsthand the impact it has on students.
When asked if she could describe this year’s KHSLW with one word, “it would be wholesome,” Mounce said. “Everyone is there with the intention of making Kempsville a better place, and we all want to take what we’ve learned and bring it back to improve our school and community.”
One of the standout moments for Mounce was Sunday afternoon, when councils revealed the banners they created during a service project.
“As bittersweet as it is, it’s really cool to see the banners and hear Mrs. Windley’s ‘Take it Back’ speech,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see the light in our Kempsville Chiefs’ eyes as they realize what an amazing weekend they just had.”
For sophomore Karleigh Edwards, who attended as a delegate, the energy and excitement of the weekend made a lasting impression.
Edwards described the weekend as “lit” and said “everyone was so hype and had so much energy!”
Edwards’ favorite part? The dance party and making chants with her council. If she could change one thing, she joked, “I wish I had brought a pillow.”
Senior Alicya James, who has been both a delegate and a student staff member, described the weekend as “transformative.”
“Workshop isn’t your average field trip or school event,” James said. “It’s something that truly draws people out of their comfort zones in the best ways. By the end of the weekend, you become a better version of yourself… a better leader, teammate and friend.”
James also emphasized the significance of Heritage, a workshop tradition that highlights the program’s culture and history.
“I love showing people, especially those new to workshop, how they really became a part of something bigger by attending,” she said.
This year’s Heritage session was introduced by Student Activities Coordinator, Mr. Zach Wolff, with the revealing of the theme board done by James and myself.
While students left with new skills and memories, there were a few things they wished had gone differently. Mounce noted that slightly warmer weather would have been nice, and James wished there could have been even more delegates attending.
“The more, the merrier,” James said.
Despite these minor wishes, KHSLW 2025 proved once again to be a meaningful experience for those involved. As students return to their everyday lives, they take with them the lessons, friendships, and leadership skills that will continue shaping Kempsville for years to come.
