St. Francis Xavier High School
Young Leaders Program
Jeremy Postarero has been overseeing a Young Leaders Program at St. FX highschool as a Mentor/Supervisor in Edmonton since FunTeam started the program in 2014. His senior boys Basketball team has organized an after school program for partner elementary schools and the benefits are seen on the court during the season and in the halls during school hours.
Jeremy is the Physical Education Department Head & Athletic Director Athletic , Senior Boys Basketball Coach, and the Golf Academy Director at the high school. When we asked him what his intial hopes were when he wanted to get his players involved in a Young Leaders Program he had this to say:
"For a school team, leadership qualities are important. High school-ers can be caught up in the now and be so worried about what people think of themselves. The Young Leaders Program is an opportunity to get out of that comfort zone and put in front of a group of kids allows them to open up."
When the senior boys basketball team is seen in pictures and videos being a leader in the community posted around their school, it inspires other stuents to volunteer and get involved in their own way. And when they show up to the elementary school the kids' eyes light up because when the senior boys basketball team comes to visit it's a big deal. There's an innocence about spur of the moment cheers and the fun thats created during a session.
"It’s important that the high school teams are good leaders in the hallway and classroom. There’s three phases that the school looks to reach kids' potential: in academics, through sports, and as better people. Conducting off the court is just as important to the team. And if mistakes are made, they learn from them and become better people out of it. That’s the goal anyway."
We are excited for another year working with Jeremy and the bright, young student athletes with the Senior Boys Basketball team!
- FunTeam Alberta wants to hear from you! If you have a story that showcases the amazing efforts of someone involved with your FunTeam groups, Young Leader Program or event, let us know! We want to hear stories about a great coach, a volunteer, player, anything!