Living Leadership at Chino Valley High

The Habitudes program uses business leaders to teach leadership and character to students.

Richardson said Chino Valley High School is redefining how students learn leadership and character by bringing the Habitudes program to campus – an interactive, story-driven approach created by Dr. Tim Elmore and Growing Leaders.

“Since its launch at the school earlier this year, the program has already made a big impact,” he said.

Richardson partnered with community leader Heather Wherley to reshape how the curriculum is delivered. Instead of relying only on classroom instruction, they invited community leaders and business partners to join teachers in leading discussions with students.

“The response has been overwhelming. In the first two months alone, 42 local leaders – from small business owners to civic professionals – have teamed up with teachers to sit down with students, talk about real-world challenges and build conversations around leadership, character and service,” he said. “This isn’t just about teaching leadership – it’s about living it.” Richardson said when students can learn from people in their community, they begin to see how leadership works in everyday life, and it becomes real.

Teachers say they’ve already noticed a difference. Teacher Juli Bias said students are more engaged and willing to speak up as well as being more open to reflecting on their own choices.

The Habitudes program is built around three simple practices:

1. Interactive learning – Using stories, visuals and fun activities to make big ideas stick.
2. Small-group discussions – Giving students space to share their own thoughts and learn from peers.
3. Accountability – Encouraging students to practice each lesson in their daily lives and reflect on their progress.

Chino Valley High School now hosts the program monthly, with each session designed to build on the last. Community leaders and teachers are looking forward to seeing how students grow as the year continues.

Richardson points out that Martin Luther King, Jr., once said, “‘Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.’”

He says that Chino Valley High is demonstrating that with positive energy, strong community support and a commitment to student growth, the next generation of leaders can thrive.

“Chino Valley High School is embracing that vision by combining academics with leadership lessons that help students grow into thoughtful, responsible leaders for tomorrow,” he said.

Wherley, a Chino Valley realtor, was so impressed with the Habitudes program when Richardson told her about it that she wrote a check to cover the cost and also became the volunteer coordinator.

“The program is just starting with the goal of building relationships,” she said. “We want to show students what it takes to be a good leader.”

Business leaders are teaching the one-hour leadership classes once a month school-wide. They are also encouraging student involvement in community projects.

Wherley said Habitudes can help break the cycle of poverty by teaching young people leadership skills. “Habitudes is good for the business, students and the community,” she said. “Teachers have seen an increase in attendance and kids who didn’t talk before are talking. When kids see us opening up, then they open up. It gives them a chance to discover their own capabilities.”

Wherley said the energy that Habitudes brings makes the kids and the volunteer business teachers almost giddy. “They are just so joyful to present to the kids and connect with them.”

She is optimistic that the program will keep students in Chino Valley. “We want them to become leaders and help the community grow in the right way,” she said. “We want them to have community pride and make it a better place.” QCBN

By Stan Bindell, QCBN

Photo by Stan Bindell: Entrepreneurs and business owners have teamed up with teachers to bringbusiness skills to Chino Valley High School students.