Two Daviess county schools earn global leadership award
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) — Two Daviess County Elementary Schools are among the top in the world when it comes to student leadership. Sorgho Elementary and Country Heights Elementary schools have earned legacy school status. It's a recognition fewer than 30 schools across the globe achieve.
For students, the school day started as any day would. They recited the pledge of allegiance and listened to announcements in the gym. A special message revealed their daily actions toward independence landed them on a list of world leaders.The two schools joined only 25 others around the world that have achieved legacy status through the Leader In Me program. Legacy status is birthed through a the program is based on a book by the author Stephen Covey. '7 Habits of Highly Effective People' discusses life and leadership skills like goal setting, decision making, discipline and teamwork.
Becoming a legacy school requires everyone from administration, teachers and young minds to walk the walk.
'…you want to score this on the test? you want to set a goal? you want to make a team?…whatever actions you're going to take to get to those goals,' says Marjie Pippin, Sorgho's Principal.
For Sorgho, the journey started 13 years ago. Muriel Summers, the programs global ambassador, says it takes 8 years of rigorous work before they even think about inviting a school to be considered. She says 100 percent of the students should be involved or leading in some form, and schools answer questions and present data showcasing how they meet the criteria.
'Most schools are focused on the academics…which is our core business. Leaders in these schools are also focused on developing the whole child…the mind, the heart, the body, and the spirit of the child,' says Summers, global ambassador for the FranklinCovey's Leader In Me program.
The school was evaluated in February.
'They spent the day with us. They spoke to our students. They spoke to our teachers. They spoke to a couple parents. They gave a testimonial on how the leader has changed their child's life,' says Pippin.
From classroom leadership roles to service projects, these schools are teaching more than math and reading. They're helping every child see themselves as capable and confident. Summers says that's evident as Kentucky leads the world in the accolade with 6 schools.
Whitesville Elementary School was the first school in Daviess county to earn legacy school status last year.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
The Salvation Army announces officer transition in Henderson
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Salvation Army of Henderson has announced an upcoming leadership transition as part of the organization's regular officer appointments. The organization says current officers, Majors Norman and Claire Grainger, will be departing Henderson, with new officers arriving to assume leadership of the local ministry and social service programs. Officials say as part of The Salvation Army's structure, officers, who are ordained ministers, are periodically reassigned to new communities to bring 'fresh perspective and leadership' to different areas of ministry. These moves typically occur every few years and are guided by the organization's leadership based on the needs of both the officers and the communities they serve. South Main Street in Henderson to come to life for Porchfest 'We are deeply grateful to Majors Grainger for their faithful service in Henderson,' said Major Al Newsome, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army in Kentucky and Tennessee. 'Their dedication to meeting both the spiritual and practical needs of our neighbors has made a meaningful impact in our community.' The Salvation Army says the new officers, Captains Doug and Jane Monroe, will officially begin their service in Henderson on June 22. The community is invited to a special 'Welcome Sunday service' on June 22 at 11 a.m. at The Salvation Army Worship and Community Center, located at 1213 Washington Street, to meet and greet the new leadership team. Officials say Captains Doug and Jane Monroe come to Henderson from Nashville, where they recently served as corps officers at the Madison Corps in North Nashville for several years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Union County's Sunshine Day to provide accessible environment
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Officials with the Union County Fair have announced the 2nd Annual 'Sunshine Day,' aimed at providing a welcoming and accessible environment for individuals, families and children with differing abilities and sensory sensitivities. Officials say the fair will be open from 10 a.m. until noon on June 28, during which time the fairgrounds will 'transform' into a sensory-sensitive and wheelchair friendly environment. A limited number of bracelets will be provided by the Union County Fiscal Court. New this year will be a special needs pageant. Uniontown invites all to 2025 fireworks event Officials say reservations are required by June 23. People are asked to call the Fair Office at (270) 374-4199 if they're interested in this event. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Uniontown invites all to 2025 fireworks event
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Union County officials are inviting everyone to a fireworks show on Independence Day. Officials say all are invited to the Uniontown Freedom Fireworks on July 5 with festivities beginning at 5 p.m. People are invited to come enjoy music, food, shopping and 'good company' with fireworks at dark. Union County Public Schools offering free meals for Summer 2025 A county spokesperson says, 'Uniontown has never failed to deliver some of the best fireworks in the area and this year promises to deliver as well. A big thank you to our sponsors for their support of this community event.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.