Coosa Elementary earns international ‘Lighthouse School’ honor for leadership program

Coosa Elementary School has earned international recognition for the quality of its student leadership program based on a best-selling leadership book.

The Lady’s Island public school announced Monday that it had been granted “Lighthouse School” status by consulting and training group Franklin Covey Co., based in part on Stephen Covey’s self-help book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.”

The company’s leadership principles have been adapted for young children and used to guide schools in developing Leader in Me programs, like the one that has been in place at Coosa Elementary for four years. In the program, students set goals, track data and assume leadership roles in such a way that improves their self-reliance, planning, time management and social skills.

Of 2,524 Leader in Me schools worldwide, only 206 have achieved Lighthouse status after being evaluated and approved by a review team from Franklin Covey Co., according to the Beaufort County School District. Two other elementary schools in the district are working toward that status: Joseph S. Shanklin and Michael C. Riley.

This story was originally published May 17, 2016 at 1:50 PM with the headline "Coosa Elementary earns international ‘Lighthouse School’ honor for leadership program."