Some educators teach history. Others help students understand why history matters. Lindsey Charron spent her career doing both. For nearly two decades at Ensign Intermediate School in Newport Beach,...

If there was one session at the CADA Convention that lived up to its title through energy, passion, and purpose, it was “School Culture Revival” presented by Dr. Phil Campbell, known to students and...

1. Why should we train our student leaders? 2. Why should that training be ongoing? 3. Why does this also apply to our Activities Directors? Across California, student leadership programs are already...

Another session at the CADA Convention tackled a challenge every Activities Director has faced: Students get elected… but are they actually ready to lead? In his session, “Elected, Not Equipped:...

CLICK HERE FOR SLIDE SHOW At the Area F Advisor Conference on September 10, 2025, held at Great Oak High School in Temecula, Activities Directors Liz White and Mo Dudley of Oak Hills High School, along...

CADA Convention 2026 Some of the most powerful leadership programs don’t require a stage, a spotlight, or a large budget. Sometimes, all it takes is a letter. In his heartfelt session at the CADA...

Improving school climate and culture is not accidental,it is intentional. The CADA Roadmap provides a strategic, practical framework for Activities Directors and administrators who want more than just...

For Jeannie Mutrais, education was never really a question of if, it was a matter of when. “I always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” she says. Before stepping into the classroom, however, Jeannie...

For Jimmy Gleich, the path to education started long before college—long before even high school. “I knew I was going to be a teacher when I was about ten years old,” he says with a laugh. Growing...

Across California, the strength of CADA often comes down to the educators who build connections within their regions. In Area F, two leaders who have helped shape that community are Dilene Pulsipher and...

For Cameron Chitwood, the road into education didn’t begin with a clear plan to become a teacher. Like many educators, the journey was shaped by unexpected turns, influential mentors, and a growing passion...

Few childhood rhymes are as familiar—or as misunderstood—as “Ring Around the Rosie.” For decades, many of us were taught that this innocent children’s game carried a dark secret: that it was...

If you ask Sara Daddario Montano how she ended up in education, she’ll tell you it wasn’t exactly part of the original plan. Sara grew up in Orange, California, the middle child in a large family,...

When you talk with Richard Rochin from Brookhurst Junior High School in Anaheim, it quickly becomes clear that his journey into education wasn’t necessarily the path he first imagined, but it was the...

At Great Oak High School in Temecula, student leadership isn’t just a class—it’s a system. And at the heart of that system are two educators who have spent years building a program designed to give...

Jack Moore (President 1956 - 1958) was an influential educator and the founding figure behind the California Association of Directors of Activities (CADA), which was established in 1956. His passion for...

The Hall of Fame recognition honors up to three individuals yearly who have a record of outstanding contributions and service to the CADA organization and its members. This award will be selected at the...

One of my personal missions at this year’s CADA Convention was not only to attend as many sessions as possible, but also to share the great ideas coming out of those sessions with Activities Directors...

For many educators involved in CADA, the path into student leadership begins with a simple desire: to make school a better place for students. For Christina Hillman, that desire was rooted in the impact...

The CADA Standards in Action:  A 6-Part Leadership Playbook Each week highlights one CADA Standard with: Summary – what the standard means Real School Culture Examples – how it shows up in...

The CADA Standards in Action:  A 6-Part Leadership Playbook Each week highlights one CADA Standard with: Summary – what the standard means Real School Culture Examples – how it shows up in...

The CADA Standards in Action:  A 6-Part Leadership Playbook Each week highlights one CADA Standard with: Summary – what the standard means Real School Culture Examples – how it shows up in...

Jill Mortensen brings decades of experience in student leadership and Activities education to her new role with the New Activities Directors Institute (NADI). Throughout her career, Jill has remained...

The CADA Standards in Action:  A 6-Part Leadership Playbook Each week highlights one CADA Standard with: Summary – what the standard means Real School Culture Examples – how it shows up in...

The CADA Standards in Action:  A 6-Part Leadership Playbook Each week highlights one CADA Standard with: Summary – what the standard means Real School Culture Examples – how it shows up in...

I am honored to submit my candidacy for Vice President of the California Association of Directors of Activities. For the past 17 years in education, student activities have been more than my profession,...

The CADA Standards in Action:  A 6-Part Leadership Playbook Each week highlights one CADA Standard with: Summary – what the standard means Real School Culture Examples – how it shows up in...

The story of Wilbur and Orville Wright is one of resilience, determination, and groundbreaking innovation. Long before they became pioneers of aviation, the Wright Brothers were two self-taught engineers...

If you’ve ever wondered why men’s and women’s shirts button on opposite sides, you’re not alone. It’s one of those curious customs that seems random, until you dig into its history. According...

When we think of the United States Constitution, we often think of stability, history, and the document that has guided American democracy for more than two centuries. But there’s another truth: the...

Nearly 1,600 student leaders from across the region gathered in late September and early October for the Area A Student Leadership Conference, a two-day event filled with energy, inspiration, and hands-on...

Pinnacles National Park: Where Fire, Stone, and Sky Collide Tucked in California’s Central Coast Range, Pinnacles National Park is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Formed from volcanic activity...

As schools move away from lockers and students increasingly must carry laptops, heavy textbooks, sports gear, and other equipment, backpacks have become more than just an accessory — they are a health...

In thinking how best to spend my summer break as a leadership teacher overseeing student government, I came across a recommendation to read Extracurricular Activities by Harry C. McKown, written in 1927....

Stretching across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, Yellowstone National Park is more than just the first national park in the world—it’s a living, steaming, bison-strolling, geyser-spouting wilderness...

Tucked along the San Diego coastline between the quaint beach communities of Encinitas and Solana Beach, Cardiff State Beach is a shimmering slice of shoreline that blends surf culture, ecological stewardship,...

A Bit of History Joshua Tree National Park, established in 1994, spans over 790,000 acres of otherworldly beauty where two distinct deserts, the Mojave and the Colorado, converge. Before it became a national...

There’s an old saying among sailors: “An anchor keeps you steady, but a sail moves you forward.” Leadership is a lot like that balance between the anchor and the sail. The anchor is our values,...

If you’ve ever been to a CADA event—whether a leadership camp, a state convention, or a board meeting—you’ve likely heard the voice, seen the smile, or been warmly greeted by the one and only Jim...

Area B kicked off the school year by hosting not one, but two New-B Advisor Conferences, designed to support new Activities Directors as they begin their leadership journey. The first conference took...

Just 30 minutes from the buzz of Los Angeles lies a wild, rugged expanse where pine trees replace palm trees and the skyline gives way to starlight. Welcome to Angeles National Forest, a 700,000-acre escape...

Area F advisors gathered for an unforgettable day of connection, collaboration, and creativity at this year’s Leadership Adventure event. Hosted in partnership with the Area F Council and the incredible...

Tucked into the dramatic cliffs and canyons of the Big Sur Coast, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is often referred to as a “mini Yosemite” — not because of granite domes or waterfalls, but because of...

Few places in the world can rival the awe-inspiring grandeur of Yosemite National Park—a sanctuary where waterfalls roar like thunder, granite cliffs rise like giants, and wildflowers bloom with gentle...

Golden Gate National Recreation Area: Where Nature, History, and the City Collide Few places on Earth offer sweeping coastal cliffs, windswept beaches, ancient redwood groves, military ruins, and iconic...

California isn’t just a state, it’s an epic tapestry of coastlines, mountains, deserts, and stories written in stone, redwoods, and ocean mist. Across its 280 state parks, you’ll find ancient forests,...

Nestled in the northern Sierra Nevada, Tahoe National Forest is a sprawling 850,000-acre landscape of granite peaks, alpine lakes, ancient pines, and hidden history. It stretches from Lake Tahoe in the...

Tucked into the lush Santa Cruz Mountains lies a grove of giants—ancient coast redwoods that have stood watch over California for more than a millennium. This is Big Basin Redwoods State Park, a place...

Leadership is often viewed through the lens of accomplishments and public recognition. Student leaders strive to organize successful events, inspire their peers, and leave a lasting impact on their schools....

As we kick off another exciting school year, it's time to dust off those costumes and get creative for our high school dress-up days. Whether you're a fan of classic favorites or ready to try something...

In a move designed to strengthen the longstanding relationship between student leadership and athletics, the CADA Board has adopted Policy 13.9, which formally defines the role, responsibilities, and term...

Henry “Charley” Williams, a beloved husband, father, brother, educator, coach, veteran, and mentor, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, in Lancaster, California, at the age of 85. His life was...

By the spring of 1936, John Steinbeck’s life was on an upward trajectory. Fresh off the commercial success of his 1935 novel Tortilla Flat, Steinbeck and his wife, Carol, were building a new home in...

When I first joined CADA, I had the privilege of meeting Bob Burton, affectionately known as "Mr. Energy," from Fallbrook High School. A lifelong activities director, Bob authored Spirit Works...Turn It...

From February 26 to March 1, 2025, the Town & Country Resort in San Diego transformed into a vibrant hub of unity and inspiration as the California Association of Directors of Activities (CADA) hosted...

As the school year winds down and we juggle yearbook distribution, prom, graduation, senior events, next year’s registration, banquets, and end-of-year budgets, one acronym keeps popping up: GASB (Governmental...

Aesop’s fables have long been a source of timeless wisdom, and The Lion, the Tiger, and the Vulture is no exception. This powerful tale teaches a valuable lesson about scarcity versus abundance and how...

California's Commission on Teacher Credentialing has approved revised Standards for the Teaching Profession, set to take effect in the 2025–26 school year. These updates emphasize culturally responsive...

Note to the Reader: I asked several Activities Directors from schools across California; public, private, and religious, about how they close the year at their Banquets, Installations, and Ceremonies....

Homecoming in American high schools has roots dating back to the early 20th century, with the University of Missouri being credited with the first official Homecoming in 1911. Originally, it was a college...

As we wind down the school year following a successful CADAStock Convention, we simultaneously wind up CADA with exciting changes to our board. This year, we welcome three new board members while expressing...

Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life was a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and advocacy. From her early battles with gender discrimination to her groundbreaking work as a Supreme Court Justice, Ginsburg...

Jenni Rivera, the legendary Mexican-American singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, remains an enduring symbol of resilience, authenticity, and empowerment. Her life and career, marked by incredible highs...

As we approach graduation season and the transition of leadership among student leaders, many seniors begin to reflect on the vast and uncertain world awaiting them. High school has often provided a sense...

In 2012, CADA embraced a theme that resonated deeply with leaders across California: “Peace, Love, CADA: A Leadership Revolution,” a vision brought to life by Monica Anderson (CADA President...

At this year’s CADA conference, Grammy-nominated songwriter Shelley Peiken delivered a keynote that was nothing short of inspiring. In a room filled with educators dedicated to leadership and student...

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it's vital that student leaders and Activities Directors understand its potential and challenges. During her enlightening...

The Birthplace of CADA and More In 1957, a group of dedicated educators in Bakersfield recognized the need for a unified support network for student activities directors across California. This realization...

Abraham Lincoln’s journey to the presidency was far from smooth. His path was marked by failures, losses, and personal hardships that might have derailed a less determined individual. Yet, these very...

Children's books hold a unique power to inspire and nurture the seeds of leadership and personal growth in young minds. Through engaging stories, vivid illustrations, and relatable characters, these books...

As Activities Directors, our roles inherently place us in the public eye. Whether we’re sharing updates on school events, celebrating student successes, or connecting with peers, social media often becomes...

In every school, there are two types of leaders: those who reflect the culture around them and those who shape it. The question is, are you a thermometer or a thermostat? A thermometer simply measures...

As Presidents Day approaches, we reflect on the legacy of George Washington, not only as a military and political leader but also as a model of character and discipline. One of the most remarkable glimpses...

When Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 and delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, he did more than inspire a crowd—he defined a vision for America that...

Every winter, millions around the world gather with family, friends, and community to celebrate the Lunar New Year, a time of renewal, gratitude, and hope. Rooted in ancient traditions, this vibrant festival...

Nestled in the heart of Yolo County, Winters is a small but vibrant town that offers a unique blend of history, charm, and adventure. Known as the "Gateway to the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument,"...

Generations from 1900 to 2025 The Greatest Generation (1901-1927): Also known as the G.I. Generation, they endured the Great Depression, fought in World War II, and shaped the mid-20th century through...

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) has a long and complex history in the United States, reflecting the nation's evolving stance on gender equality.  First proposed in 1923 by suffragist Alice Paul, the...

In 1915, Cadillac released one of the most iconic advertisements in marketing history, "The Penalty of Leadership." Although the ad never mentioned Cadillac or its cars, it struck a chord with readers...

After graduating from high school and becoming an avid reader, I discovered Ernest Hemingway as one of my all-time favorite authors. The 'Lost Generation' of writers, to which Hemingway belonged, had much...

High school athletics play a vital role in shaping student character, fostering teamwork, and building school spirit. Yet, these benefits depend on a foundation of fairness and equity, upheld through rules...

San Diego, a gem in Southern California’s Area G, is a city where sun-soaked beaches meet rich history and vibrant culture. As we prepare to gather for our final CADA Convention at the renowned San Diego...

As the Lead Activities Director in the Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD), one of my primary goals is to establish systems that ensure consistency across all 20 schools. This way, if a new advisor...

A friend of mine, Lisa Walters, a past Area Coordinator for Area D, recently shared a deeply thoughtful post on Facebook that struck a chord with me. As she reflected on her career in education, she wondered...

Music has always been a reflection of its era, capturing cultural shifts, technological advancements, and the emotions of a generation. From the lively tunes of the Jazz Age to the era of digital streaming,...

As a U.S. history teacher and student government advisor, reflecting on the life of Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, offers profound lessons in leadership that resonate far beyond his presidency....

California is a state unlike any other, where history and natural splendor intertwine to create a unique landscape that continues to inspire both locals and visitors. For educators, especially those...

Nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Truckee, California, is an inviting haven where natural beauty, vibrant history, and outdoor adventures converge. Just a short drive from Lake Tahoe, Truckee offers...

Since the advent of the VCR, the DVD and now Streaming, movies have entertained us, and have been a nice distraction from our day to day lives (and they were a great sub plan).  However, movies are more...

Matthew Soeth recently sat down with youth safety expert Anne Collier to have a conversation about the social media helpline they both started in 2015. Online and offline drama are prominent in schools...

In the spirit of camaraderie and holiday cheer, the Ladies Holiday Breakfast has become a cherished tradition at Loara High School. Since its inception in 1987, this annual event has been a testament to...

Nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Fort Collins, Colorado, offers an enticing mix of scenic beauty, vibrant community life, and robust educational opportunities. Whether you are a nature...