Success Stories
Student
Discover the transformative journeys of our students and the lasting impact L.I.T. Club has on families. These are the stories of growth, leadership, and purpose that define our community.
From Ego to Excellence
MESSIAH BRUNDIDGE-jolly,
LIT ALUMNI (OCPS ACE)
The Best Decision of My Life
MALACHI WILLIAMS,
LIT ALUMNI (OCPS ACE)
Discovering the Leader Within Me
Brandon finklea,
LIT ALUMNI (OCPS ACE)
From Anger to Leadership
LIT has changed my life in so many ways. From 7th to 8th grade, I've grown a lot. I used to always crash out, stay mad all the time, talk back to teachers, and be disrespectful.
LIT taught me manners, how to be respectful, and to treat others the way I want to be treated because you never know what someone else is going through. It also taught me how to be a leader instead of following the wrong people.
Thank you, LIT, for helping me become a better person. ❤️🦁
#FEELTHEROAR 🦁
Kymani Thomas-jolly, LIT ALUMNI (OCPS ACE)
The Best Decision I Ever Made
Being in LIT was one of the best decisions of my life. I learned about leadership, important life lessons, and how to be a leader every day.
What I like most about LIT is that the program helps kids who don't know how to show leadership and guides them in making better life decisions. I'm thankful for everything LIT has taught me.
JEREMIH HUNTER, CURRENT MEMBER (OCPS ACE)
From Follower to Leader
LIT was an amazing experience that taught me so much. It showed me how to be a leader instead of a follower and helped me become a better person. It also helped me learn how to control my anger and work through many of the challenges I was facing. One of my favorite memories was playing in the Police vs. LIT basketball game. It was a lot of fun, and it gave me the chance to build positive relationships with police officers and see them in a different way. LIT also helped me improve my learning, communication, and teamwork skills. Overall, LIT made a big impact on my life, and I’m thankful for everything it has taught me.
jADYN wRIGHT-JOLLY, LIT ALUMNI (OCPS ACE)
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
Being a part of the LIT program from 7th to 8th grade was a really great experience. Every session was fun and something I actually looked forward to participating in. The program didn’t just teach Me and LIT members things for school but it focused on real-life situations and day-to-day challenges, like making good decisions, communicating with others, and handling different situations in a positive way. I learned lessons that I still use today, and it helped me become more confident and think differently about everyday life. I’m really thankful I had the opportunity to be a part of the program, and I’d definitely recommend it to other students.
LANCE EDOLE, LIT ALUMNI (OCPS ACE)
Leading by Example
My name is Alvin, and being a part of the Leaders in Training (LIT) program has been a great experience for me. Throughout the program, I learned a lot about leadership, responsibility, communication, and how to work better with others. LIT helped me understand that being a leader isn’t just about being in charge; it’s also about setting a good example, helping others, and being someone people can depend on. The program has impacted my life by helping me grow as a person and become more confident in myself. It taught me skills and lessons that I can use not only in the program but also in my everyday life and in the future. What I liked most about LIT was the experience, the people I got to meet, and being able to learn while still having fun. Overall, I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to be a part of the Leaders in Training program. It has helped shape me into a better leader and person, and the lessons and memories I gained from LIT are things I will carry with me moving forward.
alvin mckee, LIT ALUMNI (OCPS ACE)
A Place Where I Could Be Myself
LIT was a lot of fun, and it actually taught me so many things. It helped me with my anger, and it felt like a place where I could truly be myself. It was somewhere I could go to calm down and cool off when I needed to.
Even though I joined late, everyone accepted me without any problems, and that meant a lot to me. I really enjoyed all of the activities we did because they were fun and relaxed.
If I were still at ACE, I would definitely be a part of LIT again next year.
jamari haywood, LIT ALUMNI (OCPS ACE)
A Leader Who Believed in Me
The Leaders in Training (LIT) program has helped me so much, and I’m truly grateful for everything I learned. It taught me the importance of leadership, responsibility, teamwork, and having confidence in myself. The program helped me grow not only as a leader but also as a person.
One of the biggest impacts LIT had on my life was through Mr. Jolly. I will always be grateful to him for believing in me, encouraging me, and helping me grow closer to God. His guidance, support, and the example he set made a lasting difference in my life.
What I liked most about LIT was the positive environment and being surrounded by people who genuinely wanted to see me succeed. It’s a program that has changed my life, and I’ll always be thankful for the experience.
TAMIA CLAY, LIT ALUMNI (OCPS ACE)
Growing Into My Best Self
My experience in L.I.T. has had a positive impact on my life and has helped me grow as a person. Through L.I.T., I learned important skills such as leadership, responsibility, teamwork, and communication. The program challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, build confidence, and take on new responsibilities. It also gave me the opportunity to meet new people, create meaningful relationships, and develop a stronger sense of self. Because of my time in L.I.T., I have become more mature, motivated, and prepared to face future challenges both in school and in everyday life.
Zakhary Smith, LIT ALUMNI (OCPS ACE)
Place Where I Felt Cared For
LIT made my life a lot better. It was a place where I was able to talk freely about anything, and there was always someone who listened and responded with care. The people in LIT genuinely cared about us and showed us love and support.
Mr. Jolly made a big difference in my life. Even when I was having a bad day or going through something, he always took the time to sit down with me, talk to me, and help me through it. Knowing that someone truly cared meant a lot to me, and I’m thankful I had the opportunity to be a part of LIT.
D'Andre Thomas, LIT ALUMNI (OCPS ACE)
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Transformative Experience
L.I.T. has completely changed my son's outlook on his future. He's more confident and focused than ever.
Sharon
Parent
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Real World Skills
The financial literacy workshops provided my son with skills he didn't even learn in school. Truly invaluable.
Michael
Parent
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Leadership Culture
The mentorship program is top-tier. My family has seen an incredible shift in our child's leadership abilities.
Robin
Parent