Harlingen CISD student leaders came together at the HCISD Performing Arts Center for the Superintendent’s Student Leadership Summit, kicking off a yearlong journey centered on three powerful words: Learn. Serve. Lead.
Students representing athletics, fine arts, FFA, clubs, organizations and other programs from across HCISD high schools gathered for a day focused on developing the skills, mindset and character necessary to lead others.
The summit also introduced the HCISD Profile of a Student Leader, built around two central ideas: a heart for people and a commitment to excellence.
For senior class president Elina Kretz, leadership begins with the example a person sets for others.
“A lot of being a leader is setting an example and being somebody that people can look up to or see as a role model,” Kretz said. “Your actions reflect what you believe in, and if you’re properly setting that example, people will follow you.”
Her words reflected one of the central messages of the summit: leadership is not simply a title or position, but something demonstrated through actions, relationships and service to others.
Superintendent Dr. Veronica Kortan opened the summit by challenging students to imagine the possibilities, not only for themselves, but for the people and communities they have the opportunity to influence through their leadership.
HCISD Board Member Dr. Bobby Muñiz encouraged students to recognize that leadership development begins with planting seeds. The lessons, habits and relationships developed today have the potential to grow into a lifetime of service and leadership.
The day was led by Coach Stephen Mackey, owner and CEO of 2 Words Character Development, whose work challenges students to connect character, purpose and leadership to the choices they make every day.
Throughout the summit, students heard from district leaders and staff on topics including leading with a heart for people, effective communication, digital and social media etiquette, and communicating through challenges.
The event was organized and led by Assistant Athletic Director Sandra Flinn as part of HCISD’s broader commitment to intentionally developing student leaders throughout the district.
The summit is only the beginning.
The Learn. Serve. Lead. initiative will continue throughout the 2026–2027 school year, giving students opportunities to deepen their understanding of leadership, strengthen their ability to serve others and put their leadership skills into action.
By investing in students today, HCISD is helping prepare young people who are ready not simply to hold leadership positions, but to lead with character, communicate effectively, serve their communities and pursue excellence.
Learn. Serve. Lead.
That is how HCISD is architecting the next generation of student leaders.
