Chick-fil-A Leader Academy Empowers Students at Lincoln School

A new initiative is reshaping leadership and service education for students at Lincoln School in Joliet, Illinois. On September 9, 2023, the school launched the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, a program designed to equip students with essential life skills through hands-on learning and community involvement. This national initiative is sponsored by Chick-fil-A Operators and emphasizes making a positive impact through action.

Kris Yoder, owner of both Chick-fil-A locations in Joliet, is a key supporter of this initiative. Daniel Markun, a former coordinator for the academy at Joliet West High School and now a teacher at Lincoln Academy, highlighted the program’s transformative potential. “It was a no-brainer to bring something like this to Lincoln,” he stated, recalling his experiences with the program at Joliet West, which started in 2022.

At Joliet West, the academy received $1,500 from Chick-fil-A to fund a school-wide impact project. The funds enabled 30 students to launch the Best of West Fest, an event aimed at welcoming incoming freshmen and their families while raising money for a local nonprofit and cancer patient. Markun noted that this collaborative environment fostered school spirit and community involvement.

The Chick-fil-A Leader Academy at Lincoln School differs from the program at Joliet West in that it includes all students, regardless of their circumstances. Markun expressed confidence in the students’ ability to grow as leaders. “We believe in our students and trust that if they commit themselves to always getting better, they will realize the importance of being a leader,” he said.

Principal Rick Bain welcomed the initiative, stating that Markun suggested the academy when he joined Lincoln School. Every student, including those who enroll mid-semester, will automatically participate. Bain emphasized that the program aligns with the school’s existing focus on service learning, providing students with opportunities for growth that they may not encounter elsewhere.

“Students come to Lincoln School for a variety of reasons, and not all of them are positive,” Bain acknowledged. “But one of the things we’re trying to do here is tell kids and their families that their lives don’t have to be defined by their worst moments.” He further highlighted the potential for students to overcome challenges and achieve success.

The kickoff event on September 9 featured discussions on leadership and videos that inspired students. Participants also engaged in a community service project, packing 130 copies of five different books for children aged four to eight, along with handwritten notes of encouragement for each child.

Yoder, who was involved with the academy’s launch at Joliet West, noted that previously, only a small group of 15 to 30 students participated. When the opportunity to involve the entire Lincoln School arose, he saw it as a beneficial expansion. He is sponsoring the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy curriculum and providing lunches to students as incentives for attendance and participation.

“I think everybody has leadership potential,” Yoder said. “The academy provides people with the tools to explore what leadership is.” His commitment underscores the collaborative effort to foster an environment where students can develop skills essential for their future.

As the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy unfolds at Lincoln School, it promises to empower students not only to become leaders within their school but also to contribute positively to their community. This initiative stands as a testament to the transformative power of educational programs that prioritize personal growth and service.