Impacts Of The Leadership IV Program At Saint Ursula Academy
High school students take a four-year Leadership course, closing out the program with a capstone project.
Jazz Banker ‘25 presented her Leadership IV project in the Saint Ursula Academy chapel last year. Photo Courtesy of Maddie Tatum.
By Ava DiSalle and Grace Karns
September 20, 2025
TOLEDO, OH – The overarching goal of Leadership IV at St. Ursula Academy is to empower young women to not be afraid in the world and continue to be who they are. The students are assigned a local organization to work with and further exercise the leadership skills they have learned through the previous three years.
Leading up to year four, the Leadership curriculum consists of the first year, leading yourself, the second year is spent leading with a group, the third year is peer coaching, and the final year is leading others. Not only are the students positively impacted, but so are the Leadership coaches.
Current Leadership IV student Sophia Chatman is working with Justice for Sierah. This organization raises awareness for sexual assault victims and hosts self-defense classes for young girls.
“We plan to host a Volley for Sierah (event), an information night, and self-defence classes. We hope to expand our reach to the area,” said Chatman.
“I’ve taught the first Leadership class of every term,” said Nikki Schaub, a Leadership coach at St. Ursula Academy. “Every single time I have learned something new that I didn’t know.”
Mrs. Schaub feels one of the highlights of teaching Leadership IV is its combination of the three previous Leadership classes and how they all correlate to one another, while also helping guide students through exciting experiences and tricky situations.
The Leadership program is designed to sculpt students to express gratitude and excitement towards their work. Students are also equipped with “life skills for college and career,” according to Rachael Decker, the Coordinator of Student Life and Wellness Initiatives and Leadership Coach.
Samatha Meklus, the Campus Minister for Christian Service at Saint Ursula Academy, chose the organizations participating in the Leadership IV projects. The Leadership program will cycle through the organizations available and incorporate new ones when possible.
