SIDNEY — Sidney High School Link Crew leaders recently went to the University of Dayton to hear Mike Smith, a Nebraska skateboarder and founder of Skate For Change and The BAY, two non-profit organizations.
Smith spoke as part of The Harbor Back to School Tour, which introduced The Harbor by Jostens, a new weekly online video series that builds character in students and culture on middle and high school campuses across the United States.
The Harbor by Jostens tour and online video series features Mike Smith, a professional, inspirational speaker who specializes in speaking to students and professionals about topics like bullying, substance abuse, leadership, and pursuing passions. On the 12,000-mile tour, Smith will speak to 40,000 high school students in 1,200 Jostens partnering schools about topics relevant to the issues they are facing today, and provide inspiration and excitement about improving the world around them.
“Positive school culture is built on positive student character. The Harbor by Jostens provides a way for us to reach thousands – maybe millions – of students wherever their schools are to positively impact them inside and outside the classroom,” said Smith. “Everyone has a voice, and I’m excited to see what this generation has to say. They truly can make a difference in the world around them.”
About Link Crew
Link Crew, new to Sidney High School this year, is a high school transition program that welcomes freshmen and makes them feel comfortable throughout the first year of their high school experience. 50 student leaders were selected to be Sidney High School Link Crew Leaders, identifiable in the first few days of school by a Link Crew shirt and available to assist incoming freshman with everything from finding a class or understanding the lunchroom to figuring out locker combinations and providing guidance. As positive role models, Link Crew Leaders are mentors and student leaders who guide the freshmen to discover what it takes to be successful during the transition to high school and help facilitate freshman success.
Link Crew provides the structure for freshmen to receive support and guidance from juniors and seniors who have been through the challenges that high school poses, and understand that the transition to a larger school can sometimes be overwhelming.
About The Harbor by Jostens
The Harbor by Jostens brings attention to the complex issues facing today’s youth. Often these issues make their way into the classroom, affecting their studies and self-worth. The Harbor gives students character-building tools, real-life perspectives, and a forum for discussion by addressing the challenges and opportunities they face on a daily basis. When students are motivated, encouraged and better equipped to deal with adversity, it pays dividends inside and outside the classroom. The Harbor builds lifelong character skills in students, and healthy climate and culture in schools. Designed for the classroom, each episode is accompanied by a critical thinking discussion guide to foster student led discussion. The Harbor episodes are available online for Jostens customers at https://www.jostensrenaissance.com/theharbortv/.
The first episode of The Harbor is available for anyone to view at https://youtu.be/626E0JCILwU. In this episode, Mike Smith addresses the topics of judgment and prejudice both inside and outside of the classroom, and how students can help resolve this problem in their schools.
