On September 4th, Dinuba High School had its annual Leadership Development Day, a tradition that has been part of the school for over six years. The event brought together students from different clubs, classes, and groups to strengthen leadership skills, build confidence, and foster connections with one another.
This year’s guest speaker was Keith Hawkins, a nationally recognized leadership speaker who has worked with schools across the country. Hawkins encouraged students to focus on their purpose, relationships, and attitude, reminding them that true leadership starts with how you think and how others treat you.
The day began with chants and high energy, setting the stage for team-building activities and discussions. Hawkins spoke about the negative effects of overusing phones, stressing the value of genuine human connection.
“That phone will never replace what’s real,” Hawkins told students.
Throughout the event, students participated in group challenges, emotional conversations, and games like “Simon Says” that tested teamwork and decision-making. Through each game, a lesson was learned that all tied back to leadership. Whether it was a partner game that required trust, icebreakers to get to know other leaders, or a team egg-drop project that required students to properly communicate. Hawkins also shared his personal story of growing up with challenges at home, and now his mother’s resilience has helped shape the leader he became.
“She might not have been the best leader, but she was the leader I needed… if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be here today,” Hawkins said
The message of the day centered on mindset and responsibility. “What you think is what you become,” Hawkins repeated, encouraging students to believe in themselves and take ownership of their choices.
Mrs. Tobias, who organizes the event each year, shared what she wished students would take away after the event. “I hope students walk away with new friends but also a new perspective on each other, like a different lens on different groups.”
Leadership Development Day once again reminded Dinuba High students that leadership is not just about titles or positions, it’s about building relationships, developing confidence, and creating a positive community.
