After months of preparation, Ocean Lakes High School hosted its annual Middle School Leadership Workshop (MSLW) on March 21, inviting middle school students to attend.

This year’s theme was “Dare to Discover,” chosen by the workshop’s staff to allow attendees to discover more about themselves and explore their own potential.

“This event is a wonderful way for middle school students to utilize tools that make great leaders,” AP US History teacher and workshop advisor Jennifer Burch said.

The event began at 9:20 am with a song and dance performed by the staff. Following this, students were called down to be organized into their councils. The councils were Weirkhe, Muir, Irwin, Leopold, Cousteau and Hemenway, originating from significant figures in environment and conservation movements.

Afterwards, the groups engaged in icebreakers, instructional sessions, team building, service projects, recreational activities, council meetings and skits.

“My favorite activity we did with the delegates was recreational activities because it was fun to grow closer and learn more about each middle schooler,” junior and two-time counselor Juno Paguiligan said.

Finally, the workshop ended at 3:30 pm with council presentations, awards and delegate evaluations. 

Not only did delegates learn the valuable skills of leadership and public speaking, but staff members were also able to take in something new throughout the entire process.

“In MSLW, I gained an appreciation for community. These were kids that came to Ocean Lakes to learn something new, and it’s really exciting and rewarding to give them this opportunity,” Juno said.

Middle schoolers participated in the event by signing up in advance, while the staff of MSLW were selected by the SCA Executive Board on Dec. 19, 2025 through the completion of a Google Form.

“There is nothing better than knowing that everyone is having a wonderful time while expressing their creativity and finding joy in the activities we do together,” junior and staff member Caleb McBride said.