High school workshop LEADS to giving back

Photo By Carrie Castillo | Maj. Laura Schroeder, plans officer for the 416th Theater Engineer Command, Darien, Ill., was chosen as the team leader during the breakout session for the educator's classroom during the West Point Leadership Ethics and Diversity STEM (LEADS) Workshop hosted at Phoenix Military Academy in Chicago March 17. In this breakout session, the educators discussed how the Army Core Values translate to everyday tasks and terms. This CPS community-wide JROTC LEADS is a free workshop for middle and high school leaders. The students participated in practical exercises, demonstrations and competitions designed to encourage their decision to become leaders in STEM professions.  

CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES

03.17.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Carrie Castillo 

416th Theater Engineer Command

CHICAGO – The 416th Theater Engineer Command sent a West Point graduate, now a major in the Army Reserve, to serve as a guest judge at a STEM workshop on leadership and ethics hosted by her Alma Mater at the at the Phoenix Military Academy in Chicago March 17.

The workshop was free to all Chicago public middle and high school JROTC students who demonstrate leadership and academic ability. During this workshop, students participated in practical exercises, demonstrations and competitions to encourage them in STEM professions.

Maj. Laura Schroeder, assistant plans officer for the 416th TEC, served as an adjudicator for the student essays. She graduated from the United States Military Academy – West Point in 2002.

“I hope that … being here, as well as the other female cadets from West Point can make an impact on the girls here,” Schroeder said. “I think this is a great opportunity to see what this program has to offer.”

Both the students and guest educators broke into various sessions of their own to make the most out of the workshop. In a “speed dating fashion” each of the 12 educators made their way around the room, introducing themselves and talked about their definition of leadership.

“Leadership is about how you conduct yourself regardless of your situation or audience,” said Schroeder. “Your integrity and character do not change whether you are alone (when no one's watching) or whether you're in public, in front of a group of people.”

The one-day workshop covered a variety of sessions and topics,such as the concept of living honorably, ethically and morally. Schroeder along with other educators judged essays submitted by students based on these topics after this session was completed. This purpose of this exercise is for the students to have a better understanding of why ethics is important to leadership and STEM vocations.

“It's about what you do, not just what you say,” said Schroeder. “The ability to motivate and inspire others to come together toward a common goal through one's integrity and strength of character; demonstrated through one's deeds, grit and compassion.”

FOR QUESTIONS SPECIFIC TO THIS RELEASE, PLEASE CONTACT THE 416TH TEC PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE: [e-mail]

• Date Taken: 03.17.2015
• Date Posted: 03.19.2015 14:36
• Story ID: 157515
• Location: CHICAGO, IL, US
• Hometown: WEST POINT, NY, US