BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – Members of the CSU Bakersfield Spirit Squad were on hand this week at the Budding Leadership Conference, a collaborative initiative between CSU Bakersfield and the Kern High School District aimed at fostering leadership, development, and personal growth among high school students across the region.
The conference, held on the CSU Bakersfield campus, provided an opportunity for local youth to engage in leadership training and hear from speakers and mentors committed to building the next generation of leaders. In addition to workshops and breakout sessions, attendees were treated to a burst of energy and school pride, courtesy of the Roadrunner Spirit Squad.
The Spirit Squad played a unique dual role at the event—infusing the day with energy and tradition by teaching students the classic Roadrunner hand sign and leading the crowd in a variety of chants, while also serving as visible examples of collegiate student-athlete and the impact of leadership within a team environment.
"It's always fun to be part of events like this," said Danica Rasay, a junior member of the CSUB dance team. "It gives us the opportunity to give back to the community in not only a fun way, but a personable one—because the students are right there and we can really connect with them."
Throughout the morning, squad members mingled with students, shared their experiences as CSUB athletes, and encouraged attendees to embrace their own leadership potential—whether in the classroom, in sports, or in their communities.
The Budding Leadership Conference is part of a broader effort by CSU Bakersfield and Kern High School District to engage youth through positive mentorship and opportunities to envision their futures. Next up, the Spirit Squad will return to campus to support the Blooming Leadership Conference, a sister event focused on empowering high school-aged female youth through leadership development and community-building workshops.
For more information about the Leadership Conferences or how to get involved, contact Coach Arthur Smith at spirit@csub.edu.
