The Allegacy Financial Center for Leadership and Character’s Scholar program for the 2026-2027 school year kicked off Friday, September 18th with lunch and team building activities at the Graylyn Estate. Throughout the remainder of the academic year, the group of six graduate students will learn and hone leadership skills through co-curricular enrichment sessions, coaching with their business leader mentors, special guests, and team project.
The scholars—Allie Schmidt, Caroline Wood, Ming Chen, Noah Sanders, TJ Ward and Tristan Slates —gathered with Executive Director Pat Sweeney and Center affiliates Ann Johnston, Cathy Pace, and Adam Holtzschue and Executive in Residence, Jeff Triplette.
After getting the chance to meet and interact, students broke into groups for
team building exercises. The egg drop and sling shot challenges, guided by Graylyn Teambuilding Facilitator Patrick Cole, provided the opportunity to apply leadership, teamwork and problem solving skills.
The students also debriefed their results from the DiSC assessment, learning what personality traits and communication styles each will bring to the group.
Finally, the group began work on their team charter which will serve as a guide throughout their year-long project with Engage Fi.
The students left Friday equipped with a clearer understanding of themselves, their peers, and their shared purpose.