On November 5, Heritage High School welcomed nearly 200 fifth-grade leaders from across Littleton Public Schools for its annual Leadership Conference, an energetic, skills-focused event designed to empower students as they prepare to transition into middle school.
Hosted and run entirely by Heritage’s Student Government, the conference brought together students from Centennial, Ford, Gaskill, Hopkins, Lenski, Little Raven, Runyon, Sandburg, and Wilder elementaries for a day of teamwork, connection, and hands-on leadership workshops. Fifth graders were selected by staff at their schools based on leadership traits and their positive influence among peers.
The conference has deep roots at Heritage, originally beginning as a combined fourth- and fifth-grade district event. In recent years, it has evolved into two separate experiences, one for eighth graders entering high school and one for fifth graders as they prepare for the major step into middle school. Though the structure has shifted, the goal remains the same: build connections across LPS and help students see themselves as leaders.
“This event is part of an ongoing tradition unique to HHS Student Government,” said senior co-chair Alexandra Hammond. “One thing we love to do is involve and empower other groups to be leaders, and this conference is part of that.”
Co-chair Emersyn Mosteller, also a Heritage senior, explained that the event is something Student Government looks forward to every year. “We’ve been planning this event for a long time, and we do it every year. With middle school right around the corner, it’s the perfect time for students to start practicing the skills they’ll be using.”
The conference kicked off by dividing students into mixed-school groups, where they warmed up with silly songs, drawings, and icebreakers, quickly easing nerves and sparking new friendships. From there, groups rotated through four student-led workshops focused on:
Leadership
Kindness
Communication
Teamwork (Obstacle Course)
Heritage Leadership students designed and taught each workshop, while Student Government advisory students served as group leaders throughout the day.
According to Hammond, the most memorable part of the event is the teamwork required behind the scenes.
“This conference truly requires everyone involved to be a leader,” she said. “Because of the sheer amount of organization, creativity, and energy that this conference demands, every single student involved was so impressive to me.”
Mosteller agreed, highlighting the collaboration among students and staff alike. “Some of the leaders that helped make this conference amazing included our student group leaders, Heritage Leadership students, our teachers and sponsors, and our administrators,” she said.
The theme of this year’s conference was “Super Leaders,” which centers on the idea that leadership takes many forms and every student can be a hero in their community.
“Anybody and everybody can be a leader,” said Mosteller. “There isn’t just one way to lead, and every kind of leadership is valued.”
Hammond echoed that message when she said, “Someone with strong leadership skills really is equivalent to a hero through their impact on their community, and in this case, their elementary school,” she said.
As fifth graders head into middle school next year, conference leaders hope the lessons and excitement stick with them.
“My hope is that they remember the joy they felt about being a leader, being involved, meeting new people, and apply that to enrich their middle school experience,” Hammond said.
Mosteller added, “I hope they remember that collaboration and kindness bring success, that they can make friendships with anyone, and that they can be leaders in all sorts of ways.”
For both co-chairs, coordinating the event was as meaningful as it was inspiring.
“Organizing this conference has made me immensely proud of Heritage, of our Student Government, and of the connections we are able to make as LPS students,” Hammond reflected. “In my eyes, providing the opportunity for all of these people to become leaders is what makes this conference so special.”
Mosteller shared a moment that highlighted the conference’s growing legacy: “A fourth grader in my neighborhood told me how excited she was because her sister went two years ago and still remembers the marshmallow activity. Now she can’t wait until next year,” she said.
With nearly 200 eager fifth graders, dozens of high school leaders, and a full day dedicated to connection and growth, this year’s Leadership Conference was not only a celebration of leadership but a glimpse into the bright future of students across LPS.
