Student Government Day | Thibodaux Rotary Club

Danny Cavelle introduced his friend, Lieutenant Governor and former Secretary of State, Jay Dardenne to speak to the group about Leadership.  Mr. Dardenne reminded us of the importance of public service and shred his thoughts about what makes and effective leader.  He identified six characteristics that all successful leaders must possess:

Confidence – Those who aspire to be in a leadership position must be confident in what they do.  It enables them to step up to a challenge and take it on.  It’s important for others to be confident in their leaders and he distinguished between confidence and arrogance.

Honesty – It’s important for those in leadership positions to be honest with themselves to know they really want to step up into a leadership role.

Optimism – Mr. Darden talked about the inspiration he got from his early work with the MDA and told us about a child named Matthew Brown whom he met in Atlanta who showed him what it means to be truly optimistic how it can allow one to overcome tremendous challenges.

Integrity – A difficult word to define but an essential quality in a leader. Thomas More had it and it allowed him to stand up to Henry VIII during the protestant reformation when the King, in his effort to have a son to succeed him petitioned Thomas More the Lord Chancellor to change the law and allow the King to legally divorce and remarry. When Thomas More refused he was imprisoned and ultimately lost his life.  What a good example of someone doing the right thing no matter how difficult the consequences are.

Communication – Especially listening is a quality of leadership often under-utilized by important to learning and growth.  Good leaders recognize they don’t know all the answers and sometimes they can learn a thing or two by talking a little less and listening a little more.

Enthusiasm – Passion for something is important and leaders who possess this important quality will find it is contagious.

The first letter of each of the six leadership traits above spells C-H-O-I-C-E.  We are reminded of the great opportunities afforded to us here in America and that all great leaders must make a conscious choice to offer themselves up for service.

The program continued with introductions of all the students participating in the program by Thibodaux Mayor Tommy Eschete, Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph and Floyd Benoit with the Lafourche Parish School Board.  The house was packed and despite running low on chicken and additional tables being set up, the presentation went smoothly and concluded on time.

Special thanks to Justice Weimer, Mayor Eschete, President Randolph and Superintendant Matthews for helping to make this event possible.