​Lanakila Elementary School was filled with families, community members and dignitaries this morning eager to celebrate the school's inaugural Leadership Day. More than 400 students from pre-school through fifth grade showcased projects they have been working on throughout the year that incorporate The 7 Habits of Happy Kids curriculum based on the book by Stephen Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

"In the few months that we have started this program our kids have become extremely confident, and today we are giving them an opportunity to shine and show what they have learned," said Principal Katherine Balatico. "At Lanakila we highlight the importance of social emotional growth and building leadership skills, which goes hand in hand with the 7 Habits lessons."

The festivities started with student performances including an Eskrima demonstration, JROTC Color Guard from McKinley High School, piano recital and hula. After the welcome reception, attendees visited the classrooms to view a variety of interactive presentations and displays including a wax museum, the school's garden Māla Mohala a Lanakila, and student-created slideshow presentations of their "Leader in Me Journey."

"Today is important because we're showing everyone that anyone can be a leader, and can do anything they want if they set goals," shared fifth grader Arkpan KC. "The [seven] habits are important because if you follow them you can have a better life."

Lanakila Elementary has cultivated community partnerships that have helped fund and support the school's Leader in Me program, from receiving the Panda Cares Grant from Panda Express to community volunteers and artists that have painted murals on the campus showcasing themes of leadership and The 7 Habits of Happy Kids curriculum. These "habits" are:

• Be Proactive;
• Begin with the End in Mind;
• Put First Things First;
• Think Win-Win;
• Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood;
• Synergize; and
• Sharpen the Saw.

Dozens of public schools have incorporated the 7 Mindful Habits or a similar leadership program that aims to transform the school environment by encouraging mindful growth in all areas of learning.

For more information about Lanakila Elementary and Leadership Day, click here.