IYT Grant Union High School Impact Update: December 2025
- Kevin Akins
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
December in Review: Leadership as a Practice
December at Grant Union High School was the culmination of a deep dive into leadership identity. Over the last two months, we challenged our Brothers to look in the mirror and ask not just "what do I want to do," but "who do I want to be?" From affirmation circles that built trust to collaborative murals that mapped out their futures, the Brothers ended the year with a stronger sense of self and a clear vision for the road ahead.
Series Recap: Defining Leadership & The Reflection Mural
To close out the semester, facilitators guided Brothers through a meaningful workshop series focused on accountability and growth.
The Foundation (November): We stripped away the idea that leadership is about titles. In the “The Kind of Leader I Am” reflection circle, Brothers articulated their identity—valuing qualities like listening and consistency. The session ended with a powerful affirmation activity, strengthening bonds and proving that real leadership is about how you treat others when no one is watching.
The Vision (December): We moved from introspection to expression. Brothers created a Mid-Year Reflection Mural, mapping out past challenges, present wins, and future goals. During the gallery walk, a shared theme emerged: moving beyond simply "getting through" school to actively shaping their own futures.
Brother of the Month
Brother Lushaw
10th Grade
Brother Lushaw is our featured Brother, and his impact has been felt almost immediately. As one of our newest additions to IYT, Lushaw has already emerged as a pillar of consistency. He shows up to every opportunity fully engaged—not only for himself but for the Brothers around him. In fact, he actively recruits his friends into the IYT community, helping expand our brotherhood.
Lushaw is especially excited about his future academic journey at CSUMB (Cal State Monterey Bay), where he is focused on preparing to be a leader on campus. His vision for giving back and making a positive impact in his community speaks volumes about the kind of young man he is becoming.
Upcoming Events
Name | Date & Time | Description |
CSU Monterey Bay Visit | 2/28/2026 | IYT brothers will tour CSUMB and begin envisioning what life as a college student could look like in the near future. |
Program Directory & Schedules
Program Manager: Jorge Valenzuela-Torres
Phone: 916-954-1338
Grant Union High School
Programming Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays Study Hall: Monday - Friday