Focus Fridays
Back for a second year, Focus Fridays aim to provide inspiration and learning to our future student leaders at Algoma High School.
Nearly each Friday during the 2018 – 19 school year, a different presenter will speak to our youth about leadership, civic responsibility, goal setting, financial responsibility, physical well-being, along with other related topics.
It is the hope that this series will help build the leadership capacity of our youth. All Algoma High School students and staff are welcome to attend any of the presentations.
If you have any questions about the program please contact Teal VanLanen: TVanLanen@alghs.k12.wi.us.
Focus Fridays are held at the Algoma High School in the Little Theater from 3:05 – 3:25 p.m. Please consult the schedule below for speaker and topic information for each session.
Focus Friday Schedule
Speakers, topics, and schedule are subject to change.
February 1, 2019
Topic – Character of Endurance
Overcoming adversity and using it to build a stronger you
Presenter: Corie Zimmerman
February 8, 2019
Student Requested Off Break
February 15, 2019
Have an idea of a speaker? Let us know who. Email Dave Robertson drobertson@alghs.k12.wi.us
Past 2018 Topics
September 28, 2018
Topic: Why “Kindness Matters” On Your Team Presenter: Amy Schoenberger
October 5, 2018
Topic: See A Ref – Be A Ref… Presenter: Tom Senecal
How Interscholastic sports have helped shape our society, and the very important role an official plays in the continuing education of our student-athletes, and how very much we are in need of officials. Come join us!
October 26, 2018
Topic: Do What You Say You’re Going to Do Presenter: Nick Cochart
How to have visionary leadership in the face of adversity.
November 2, 2018
Topic: Personal Planning and Journaling Presenter: Sara Robertson
We will discuss the value of using a daily planner to help students accomplish tasks and goals, as well as help them stay organized and make more intentional choices. We will also talk about the power of using a daily gratitude practice and how that can help improve physical and mental health, reduce aggression, promote empathy and improve self-esteem.
November 9, 2018
Topic: What Does It Mean to be a Leader – Part 2 Presenter: David Robertson
The leadership model introduced last year at the start of Focus Fridays will be reviewed. Application of the model and what that looks like for student-athletes will be explored.
November 16, 2018
Topic: Fueling for Performance Presenter: Anna Westmark
Nutrition is often overlooked by high school athletes and students even though it plays a vital role in performance on the field and in the classroom. In this session, students will learn how to fuel their bodies for their sport and for life outside of athletics.
November 23, 2018 No School
November 30, 2018 No presentation scheduled
December 7, 2018
Topic: What Does It Mean to You? Presenter: Ray Ball
What does the word “work” mean? How is that word changing with today’s society, especially in sports? This session will define “work” in a new context. Ray will apply this definition to his own experience in relationships with family, coaches and mentors. He will also challenge you to consider your own definitions of “work” and ask you to reflect on the question, “Is this something I actually want to do consistently every day for the rest of my life?”
December 14, 2018
Topic: Personal Power & Organizations Presenter: Anna Westmark
Session will focus on aspects of organizational culture and how each person can tap into one’s own self-understanding to promote a healthy organization, prevent burnout, and promote personal wellness.
January 11, 2019
Topic: Athletes and Mental Health: The Hidden Opponent.
Presenter: Victoria Garrick
From Atherton, California, Victoria Garrick is a rising Junior libero for the USC Women’s Indoor Volleyball team. Both freshman and sophomore year, Victoria started and played in every match for the Women of Troy, who won the Pac-12 Championship in 2015. During a difficult freshman year, learning how to be a Division I athlete as well a Dean’s List student, she dealt with situational depression, anxiety, and a binge-eating disorder. By seeing a sports psychologist at USC every week, Victoria was able to learn how to manage her mental health issues, as well as regain normal eating habits. However, she is very concerned about other athletes like her who do not have the confidence to seek help, or learn how to manage their chaotic lives. One of Victoria’s missions in her final two years of college is to help others by sharing her experience.
January 18, 2019: No School. No session scheduled.
January 25, 2019
Topic – Mid-Year Check: What Does Being a Leader Mean to You?
Take a quick survey 25 to let us know.