On December 10th, 25 8th-grade students from Rapid City Area Schools participated in the 2025 Junior Elevate Leadership Institute (Jr. ELI), a full-day, hands-on leadership experience designed to build skills, inspire collaboration, and prepare young leaders for high school and beyond. Hosted by ELI Alumni at The Monument, the program focused on four core themes: communication, community ownership, teamwork, and decision-making.
The day began with check-in and group assignments, followed by an icebreaker and a session on setting expectations led by Stephany Chalberg and Jen Potts (Monument Health) and Bobbi Schaefbauer (Rapid City Area Schools). Students quickly immersed themselves in the day’s activities, ready to explore leadership in action.
The first session focused on communication and soft skills, led by Schaefbauer, Alexcia Kalal (Rapid City Police Department), and Mark Falcon (Loyal Plumbing). Through interactive exercises, students learned to tailor their messages to different audiences, communicate clearly and kindly, and collaborate effectively. They also explored “Power Skills”, individual strengths such as empathy, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, and practiced honoring their own skills and those of others. By recognizing the unique contributions each team member brings, students gained insight into how teams can combine strengths to achieve shared goals.
The morning continued with a session on community ownership, led by Nick Van Dyne (Black Hills Coffee Company), Chalberg, Potts, and Callie Meyer (Visit Rapid City). Participants explored ways to take ownership in classrooms, groups, families, and their communities by contributing, collaborating, and fostering a positive culture where everyone can thrive. Students toured The Monument, observing features that make the space navigable, identifying areas for improvement, and discussing how to propose changes through the appropriate channels. They also observed a practice session and spoke with Rush Coach Dave Smith, gaining firsthand insight into how leadership and teamwork play out in high-pressure, real-time situations, as well as how to make thoughtful, healthy decisions in everyday moments of pressure.
After lunch, students participated in a teamwork activity emphasizing collaboration and problem-solving. The afternoon continued with a decision-making session led by Sam Harkin (South Dakota Mines) and Officer Tim Doyle (Rapid City Police Department). Students practiced evaluating the consequences of their choices, prioritizing immediate actions while considering long-term outcomes, and thinking critically about the most effective path forward. These exercises reinforced the importance of thoughtful, deliberate leadership in both everyday and high-stakes scenarios.
The day concluded with a tour of The Summit Arena , led by Monument staff, along with Brittney Huschka (Team & Culture Coordinator) and Rory Hammerbeck (Engineering Manager). Students learned how decision-making plays a central role in running a complex community hub, seeing firsthand how leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking guide daily operations. A final debrief allowed students to reflect on the day, solidifying key lessons in communication, community ownership, teamwork, and decision-making.
“At the end of the day, we want these individuals to go home feeling empowered and equipped with the tools to become leaders in their own right,” said Bailey Sadowsky, Elevate Leadership Institute Program Director. “They are entering high school next year, and Jr. ELI serves as a catalyst to help them make an impact in their community and schools, get to know new classmates, and feel supported by the Rapid City community, inspiring them to make this place their home and carry that connection into their future careers.”
With enthusiasm, curiosity, and empathy, students absorbed essential leadership and life skills while discovering that learning can be both meaningful and fun. The 2025 Junior ELI reminded participants that leadership is an evolving skill set, it’s not just about knowledge, but about taking action, collaborating with others, and making a difference in their community.
The 2025 Junior ELI wouldn’t have been possible without the support of its sponsors: Scull Construction, The Monument, and Beardsley, Jensen & Lee Attorneys at Law. Their commitment to youth development ensures that students gain the skills, confidence, and inspiration needed to step into leadership roles and positively shape the future of Rapid City.