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Johanna Knickerbocker completes Elmira College Soaring Higher program

By Press Release

Press Release:

Johanna Knickerbocker of Linwood was among 11 students to be recognized at the Soaring Higher Student Leadership Award Ceremony. Knickerbocker and 10 other students made up the third cohort to complete the leadership program since it launched in the fall of 2022. 

Students apply and are selected to attend the program facilitated by Dr. Elizabeth Lambert, Vice President of Campus Life and Dean of Students, Larry Parker, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Ytzel Flores Cristiansen, Assistant Dean of Students. The content for the program is based on the book, "The Student Leadership Challenge: Five Practices For Becoming an Exemplary Leader" by James Kouzes and Barry Posner.

Throughout the 10-week program, students participated in individual and group activities that uncovered insights into their strengths and weaknesses. They learned to use their self-knowledge, such as identifying their values, to make better choices. Every other week, they listened to a new guest speaker about what they've learned as leaders.

Just prior to the Awards Ceremony, the Soaring Leaders presented multi-year plans they hope to achieve. The presentations provided the students an opportunity to practice their newly learned skills and take their first steps as leaders.

Fall 2023 Soaring Leader Cohort:

  • Will Mu Htoo '24
  • Mihret Haile '26
  • Johanna Knickerbocker '26
  • Candice Terpolilli '24
  • Justin Hyde '25
  • Lindsey Smith '24
  • Jocelyn Plaisted '24
  • Justin Valle Cisneros '27
  • Leiram Mendez Mojica '27
  • Jx Graham '26
  • Catherine Doyle '24

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