Camden Station students describe leadership projects; district recognizes National Merit finalists and state champions

Camden Station Elementary students presented a student leadership showcase to the Oldham County Board of Education on March 24, describing peer mentoring, a student advisory committee and schoolwide kindness campaigns.

Dana Corson, principal at Camden Station Elementary, told the board the leadership program grew from survey findings to provide peer mentoring, a podcast, a weekly newscast and student advisory meetings. Student presenters described specific activities: James King said the student advisory committee produced kindness tips for the weekly newscast after surveys showed only 37.5% of students reported that peers were kind; Emerson Holmes described designing posters; Micah Shuck described a weekly Golden Heart award for acts of kindness.

The board also recognized academic and athletic achievements: six students were named 2025 National Merit finalists from the district’s three high schools; athletes from Oldham County High School and other schools were recognized for state championships and runner-up finishes in indoor track, wrestling and swim-and-dive competitions. The Arvin Center and Camden Station awarded Ignite Passion Awards to Gary Costell and Kelsey Tingley respectively for contributions to student programs and engagement.

Board members applauded the student presentations and called the achievements “outstanding.” The recognitions were presented during the meeting’s showcase and recognition agenda items; several students and staff came forward for photographs and brief remarks.