Lakeview Academy fifth graders lead by example through ambassador program

A group of 40 fifth graders at this Baldwin County school is helping shape school culture by teaching younger students about responsibility and good choices.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:52pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print depicting a group of elementary school students wearing red and white ambassador jackets, repeated in a tight grid pattern to capture the energy and spirit of the school's leadership program.The vibrant ambassador program at Lakeview Academy empowers fifth grade students to be role models and leaders, inspiring the next generation of young leaders.Milledgeville Today

A group of 40 fifth graders at Lakeview Academy in Baldwin County, Georgia have been selected to participate in the school's Ambassador Program. The program recognizes students who consistently demonstrate strong character and behavior, and allows them to serve as role models for younger students by visiting classrooms and teaching about making good choices and building positive habits.

Why it matters

The goal of the Ambassador Program is to have the fifth grade ambassadors set the tone for the entire school by encouraging their peers to make better decisions. The program also gives younger students something to work toward, as teachers track student behavior from kindergarten through fifth grade before selecting ambassadors.

The details

The 40 fifth grade ambassadors at Lakeview Academy wear red and white jackets that symbolize their role and responsibility within the school. They visit classrooms to share stories and provide guidance to younger students about improving their behavior and making good choices. The program was created about six years ago by art teacher Joel Respes to recognize students who consistently demonstrate strong character.

  • The Ambassador Program at Lakeview Academy began about six years ago.

The players

Levi Gheesling

A fifth grade student and ambassador at Lakeview Academy.

Ava Joseph

A fifth grade student and ambassador at Lakeview Academy.

Joel Respes

The art teacher at Lakeview Academy who created the Ambassador Program about six years ago.

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What they’re saying

“We got to like say a lot of stories, a lot of things where you can improve on and I liked that time because I found I had to be a better me during that time too.”

— Levi Gheesling, Fifth grade student and ambassador

“We go around to different grade levels, go to different classrooms, teach kids from right and wrong.”

— Ava Joseph, Fifth grade student and ambassador

“I feel good. I just feel like I've earned respect and I've known like I can be respected and stuff. I also feel like I know that I've been kind these years and I've done what I'm supposed to.”

— Levi Gheesling, Fifth grade student and ambassador

“It gives the students something to look forward to and the 3rd and 4th grade kids get excited about it and they all are always asking what can they do to be part of the program and that gives me a chance to talk to them, 'How are your social skills? How are your behavior skills, your personal management skills? Are you making it easy for your teacher to teach?'”

— Joel Respes, Art teacher

The takeaway

The Ambassador Program at Lakeview Academy empowers fifth grade students to be leaders and role models for their younger peers, helping to shape the school's culture and inspire the next generation of students to make good choices and demonstrate strong character.