Efa Huckaby, Principal, Liberty High School
As the Principal of Liberty High School and a proud California Activities Directors Association (CADA) member, I’ve come to understand the incredible power student activities hold in shaping school culture. My journey from introducing the transformative Week of Welcome at Ygnacio Valley High School to being honored as the 2024 California Principal of the Year, has solidified my belief that the principal is not just an administrator but the chief culture officer of the campus. This leadership role is pivotal in ensuring student activities thrive and align with the school’s vision.
The Principal’s Role in Shaping Campus Culture
Culture doesn’t happen by chance—it’s cultivated through intentionality, collaboration, and visibility. As principals, our actions set the tone. When we actively support student activities, we create a ripple effect that fosters inclusion, school spirit, and a sense of belonging.
At Liberty High, our motto, “Defend the Den- Play Hard, Study Harder, Win with Pride!” reflects our commitment to both academic and extracurricular excellence. Student activities serve as the heartbeat of this mission. By prioritizing programs that bring students together—whether it’s athletics, clubs, or leadership events—we create opportunities for every student to feel seen and valued. This requires us to be more than figureheads; we must be engaged participants in the culture we hope to inspire.
Administration’s Role in Supporting Student Activities
Building a vibrant culture is a collaborative effort, and administration plays a crucial role in supporting student activities directors, teachers, and students alike. Here are three essential ways we can lead:
Empower Activities Directors
Activities Directors are the linchpins of student culture. As administrators, it’s our responsibility to provide them with the resources, time, and trust to innovate. Regular check-ins to understand their vision and challenges help establish a partnership rather than a hierarchy. By advocating for their ideas at the district level, we ensure their initiatives have the financial and logistical backing they need to succeed. As I like to say, an Administrator’s job is to block and tackle. It’s the AD’s job to score touchdowns.
Support Teachers as Advisors
Teachers who volunteer as club advisors or event sponsors are integral to a successful activities program. Administration can support them by recognizing their contributions, providing stipends, and respecting their time. Simple gestures, like a thank-you note or a public acknowledgment at staff meetings, go a long way in fostering a culture of appreciation. At Liberty High, our MTSS group gives Marigolds at each staff meeting to staff members who support them. Each month, the holder of the Marigold passes it along to someone who has helped and supported them. Our Special Education Department adopted this idea, recognizing 3-4 staff members who go above and beyond to support their department and students. The best part of both recognitions is that they are staff-generated and staff-presented.
Center Student Voices
Ultimately, the students are the reason we do what we do. Listening to their ideas and involving them in decision-making processes reinforces that their voices matter. At Liberty, we’ve established regular student forums where leaders from ASB, athletics, and other organizations share feedback directly with the administration. These conversations have informed key decisions, from event themes to improvements in campus facilities. An administrator attends every Student Council meeting and listens to the needs of the students.
A recent example gave me a wonderful start to my holiday break and demonstrates what we are building at Liberty High. Like many schools, vaping on campus has become an issue. Not only are students vaping in the restrooms, but they are also making it uncomfortable for other students to use the restroom in peace. One solution we implemented involved having Campus Supervisors and Administrators at the restroom doors so that when vape detectors go off, we are right there. This has reduced vaping at lunch and made students feel safer using the restrooms. After participating in our Teaching and Learning Community’s Mock Job Fair, a student approached me to ask about this solution. When I explained it came from a suggestion in one of our student forums, the student beamed, proudly noting it was their idea. Moments like these highlight the impact of centering student voices.
Building Traditions That Last
One of my proudest accomplishments was introducing the Week of Welcome at Ygnacio Valley High School. This initiative wasn’t just a one-off event; it became a cornerstone of the school’s culture. As with any successful event, it couldn’t rest on one person’s shoulders. I was blessed to work with a wonderful team of leaders who strived to build a school they’d want their children to attend. By collaborating to create a program that was both fun and foundational, we established the Warrior Way. Bringing together students, staff, and the community to celebrate the new school year set a tone of unity and positivity. The success of such programs hinges on the administration’s commitment to sustaining traditions and evolving them to meet the needs of each generation of students.
Leading with Heart
Leadership is about relationships. As principals, our presence at student events—whether it’s a Friday night football game, theater performance, or cultural celebration—sends a powerful message. Our students and staff need to see us not only as decision-makers but as champions of their efforts. By showing up, listening, and celebrating successes, we reinforce that every individual contributes to our collective identity.
In closing, I’d like to challenge my fellow CADA members to think about how you can partner with your principal to amplify the impact of student activities. I would love to hear how you and your principal are working together to create a campus where students feel they belong. Email me at [email protected] with your story and progress.
Together, we can create campuses where every student feels they belong and every activity leaves a lasting legacy. As principals, we are the stewards of our schools’ culture. Let’s lead with purpose, passion, and pride—for our students, our teachers, and our communities.