Orion High School welcomes first assembly speaker to inspire student leadership

The Brief

• Pasco’s new Orion High School hosted its first-ever assembly speaker, Dr. Donya Ball, just weeks after opening

• Dr. Ball, a national keynote speaker and former educator, taught students about the “leadership trifecta” of empathy, consistency and authenticity

• Students said they were inspired to be more confident and authentic leaders after the hour-long presentation

PASCO — Pasco’s newest high school welcomed its first assembly speaker Friday morning as students at Orion High School heard from a national leadership expert about becoming future leaders.

Dr. Donya Ball, a former educator and current national keynote speaker, addressed students at the school that opened its doors just weeks ago. The assembly marked a significant milestone for Orion High School, as Dr. Ball became the first speaker to address students in the school’s brief history.

Dr. Ball, who has more than two decades of experience as a leadership coach and has written two books on leadership, spoke to students about what she calls the “leadership trifecta” — empathy, consistency and authenticity.

“And so what I’m going to be speaking to the students today is that they are leaders, they are leaders of this campus, they are our future leaders of society, and they are going to be charged with working through so much,” Dr. Ball said.

During the nearly hour-long presentation, Dr. Ball emphasized that students should embrace their unique qualities rather than hide them.

“Because ultimately, your unique loves, passions and talents should not be masked,” she told students.

The message resonated with Orion students, who said they were inspired by Dr. Ball’s confidence and authenticity.

“One thing I’ll take from the top moving forward is just try not to burn yourself, be confident in what you do, be your own person and don’t be scared to be your own person,” said Angel Duran, an Orion High School student.

Fellow student You’ay Taw said Dr. Ball’s presentation motivated her to become a better leader.

“I loved how she was really confident in what she said, and it made me want to… be a leader like that, and show others,” Taw said.

Orion Principal Seth Johnson said the school hopes students understand that their unique personalities can make them great leaders and that they represent the leaders of tomorrow.

Dr. Ball flew into Pasco specifically for the assembly and spoke to students free of charge. One of her books connects to Orion’s mascot, the Aviators, making her message particularly relevant for the new school’s students.

The leadership assembly aligns with Orion High School’s goal of developing students into future leaders as the school establishes its culture and traditions in its inaugural year.

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