By: Jennifer Rodrigues – Arroyo High School Director of Activities and Area B Council
On November 25, 2024, Area B kicked off Leaderpalooza: A Spirit Festival, the CADA Bay Area Student Conference.
A little rain could not dampen the energy and excitement of Leaderpalooza: A Spirit Festival as Area B welcomed 1,200 leadership students and advisors to James Logan High School in Union City for a powerful day of connection, motivation, empowerment, and fun.
The Area B Council was thrilled to host our main stage headliners, Carlos Ojeda Jr. and Tara Soebe, who inspired our leaders to recognize the power of their voices and to be champions for themselves.
Our workshop stage featured engaging sessions such as:
- “Finding Your Passion and Strengths”
- “Refining Rallies”
- “Finding Your Initiative”
- “Planning and Decision-Making”
- “Communication Skills”
- “A Guide to Better Sportsmanship with Student Sections and Athletic Programs”
These 16 workshops were led by high school students, CASL leaders, and our NCS and CCS Athletic Commissioners. Returning this year was our Advanced Track workshop, led by Corissa Stobing, where participants spent valuable time networking with leaders from other schools, exchanging ideas, and developing solutions to common school challenges.
New this year was a fundraising workshop led by Area A’s Cameron Chitwood, focusing on impactful fundraising that benefits the student body. A perennial favorite, “Throwdown,” was presented by Area C’s Isaac Lopez, Ben Cummings, and Nestor Cerda. This session energized participants with innovative rally game ideas.
Both high school and middle school leaders also participated in leadership swaps led by Area B Council members Mike White (CADA President 2014 – 2015), Jacob Headley, and Tommy Maloney. The day concluded with a high-energy lunch session courtesy of our friends at SOS Entertainment, who kept everyone on their feet dancing.
Area B would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all the presenters, SOS Entertainment, James Logan High School, advisors, and student leaders who contributed to making Leaderpalooza a resounding success filled with inspiration, learning, and fun!
