Lincoln Elementary marked the end of the school year with the beginning of a new tradition as fifth-grade house leaders prepared to move on to middle school and a new group of students stepped forward to lead.
For Lincoln Principal Dr. Amber Wilkins, the moment reflected something she works to instill in students every day: the belief that there is nothing they cannot do. Through Lincoln’s house system, students are encouraged to lead, serve, support one another, and understand that leadership is built through everyday choices.
The changing of the leaders was both a celebration and a symbolic passing of the flame. Lincoln’s current fifth-grade house leaders, who will soon begin their next chapter in middle school, read personal thank-you letters as the new house leaders were inducted for the 2026–2027 school year. The ceremony was a bittersweet moment for students and adults, recognizing the outgoing leaders as points of light who helped guide their classmates throughout the year.
Superintendent Dr. Lisa Muller, Assistant Superintendent John Potter, and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Ballard were on hand to celebrate the moment with the Lincoln school community.
Speaking to the students and adults gathered in the Lincoln cafeteria on Tuesday, May 12, Dr. Ballard encouraged students to see leadership not as a title, but as something shown through daily actions.
“Leadership is found in everyday choices,” Dr. Ballard reminded Lincoln students. “It is choosing kindness. It is choosing responsibility. It is choosing courage. It is choosing to include others.”
Dr. Ballard asked students to think about the ways they had already practiced leadership, such as helping others, including someone who felt left out, fixing mistakes, or standing up when something was wrong. As hands went up throughout the cafeteria, students reflected on how leadership is woven into the daily life of their campus.
Comparing leaders to squishies, Ballard reminded students that leaders come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. Like a squishy that returns to its original shape, strong leaders stay true to who they are, even when they are stretched or challenged.
Soon, it was time to bring the suspense to an end and announce the new house leaders. As adult team leaders stepped to the microphone, they called each incoming leader forward with words of encouragement. Parents entered the cafeteria to celebrate the special moment with their child as the new house leaders for the 2026–2027 school year were introduced. These students will begin their leadership journey by helping point the way for other members of their houses.
Samuel Sneed — House Activus
Sadie Burnett — House Porta
Sadie Miller — House Primus
Zella Gibson — House Vincere
Chloe Keener — House Intellectus
Addyson Page — House Civitas
Kobi Dougherty — House Validus
Teachers and students then gathered for a symbolic candlelighting ceremony, passing the light of the Lincoln spirit from teachers to house leaders. The moment represented unity, growth, and the continuation of leadership within Lincoln’s house system. 
As one group of Lincoln Tigers prepares to move toward middle school and another steps into leadership, the ceremony served as a reminder that growth and change are part of the journey. Leadership does not always happen in big moments. Often, it is found in the small choices students make each day to help, include, encourage, and lead.
At Lincoln, it only takes a point of light to help others find their way.