Keene, NH — C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. announces its support of The Edge of Leadership, a program that helps students develop leadership skills to improve the classroom learning environment, set positive examples, and effect positive change in themselves, their schools, and their community.
Developed and implemented by High 5 Adventure Learning Center, Edge of Leadership’s mission is based on over 35 years of youth leadership programming. Edge of Leadership helps students and their teachers connect and communicate in new and positive ways that improve classroom and school culture, promote effective collaboration skills, and instill confidence in their leadership capabilities. High 5’s Edge of Leadership program believes that students –given the right encouragement, tools, and opportunity – are a powerful resource for bringing innovation and positive influence to the school community and to the lives of others.
The Keene Schools’ multi-year program has been introduced in all 5th grade classrooms, in some 7th grade classrooms, and in various programs at Keene High School. All programs are based on the three themes that are the foundation of the Edge of Leadership program: Connect, Empower, and Lead…Be the example. The themes focus on building communication and interpersonal skills that are a critical part of a young person’s development. EOL helps students:
- Practice using sound judgment and make healthy choices.
- Realize the powerful potential of communication, dialogue, and collaboration.
- Discover the confidence to lead by example.
- Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- Learn skills for making a positive difference in their school communities.
“Edge of Leadership is having an immediate impact on my students,” said Morris Kimura, a 5th grade teacher at the Wheelock School. “I see students observing more, developing confidence, learning how to focus, wanting to help others and me. They’re learning to take more social risks and are becoming more open to new situations. As a teacher, I’m constantly learning new EOL tools and incorporating them into my daily classwork, and telling students, ”You’re going to use this all your life – you have to work together everywhere!’”
Rick Cohen, Chairman and CEO of C&S Wholesale Grocers, said, “We are excited to bring this program to students in our corporate headquarters community. We believe it is helping to develop important skills and traits in our kids that will serve them now and into their futures, building confident and successful individuals who will contribute to the community.“
“C&S’s commitment to this program will enable all Keene Public School students an opportunity to practice and implement the leadership and interpersonal skills they learn,” said Jim Grout, Executive Director of High 5 Adventure Learning Center. “They’ll carry these skills with them throughout their education and into adulthood. In my three decades of work with youth, I’ve never been more excited about what we’re doing.”
About High 5 Adventure Learning Center
High 5, based in Brattleboro, VT, is a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to helping individuals, schools, and communities improve the way they live, learn, and work together. High 5 provides educational experiences for all ages that develop a sense of connection and community in a learning environment of discovery, challenge, and fun. To learn more about Edge of Leadership or High 5, go to www.edgeofleadership.org or www.high5adventure.org.
About C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc.
C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc., based in Keene, NH, is the largest wholesale grocery supply company in the U.S. and the industry leader in supply chain innovation. Founded in 1918 as a supplier to independent grocery stores, C&S now services customers of all sizes, supplying more than 6,000 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases, and institutions with over 150,000 different products. To learn more, please visit www.cswg.com
C&S community involvement programs support initiatives to fight hunger and to promote the health and enrichment of communities that are homes to the company’s employees and facilities. To learn more: http://community.cswg.com.