Have you ever wondered who’s behind all of DP’s activities, planning events like homecoming, winter formal, prom, PGP’s, and greek activities? You may or may not be surprised to find out that it’s actually DP Leadership. DP Leadership is a larger-than-average class, located in room P-2 and consisting of roughly 50 juniors and seniors.

This class provides opportunities for students to interact with administrators and fellow students in order to contribute to all of DP’s activities.

Leadership is made up of multiple commissioners, each with their own responsibilities, who all work together to ensure everything on campus is running smoothly. Some of those roles include commissioner of activities, athletics, clubs, internal affairs, arts, social awareness, and many more.

For example, have you ever had leadership students come into your room briefly and collect the recycling? This is due to the commissioner of environmental functions. Have you ever seen the crazy outfits in the student section during sports events? This is due to the commissioners of athletics and activities. These are only a few of the many tasks leadership is involved in.

Being a leadership student requires hands on work, inside and outside of school. It serves as a way of keeping students engaged and up to date with current events and activities.

“I felt more active and aware of what’s going on in the school, which is really important to me,” said Kashaf Iftikhar, senior commissioner of governmental functions.

The leadership class advisor, Mr. Scott Guttentag (aka Scotty G), has been involved in this program for over 30 years. Scotty admires the community that has been constructed. He plays a crucial role in making sure students are working effectively to make DP a fun and eventful environment.

“I love working with the students. I just love the energy. I love school culture. It’s something that I was super passionate about in my own high school,” Scotty G said.

Since leadership consists of about 50 students, there is an opportunity for everyone who is involved. Scotty G strongly encourages anyone to join, regardless of how you feel about DP.

“I would like to believe that if you were to look at the entire leadership class, that every student in leadership could be able to identify with at least one student and that they can think I can be that person, too,” Scotty G said.

Leadership has been a program at DP for many years and will continue next year.
Almost fully student run, it is a way for student voices to be heard and a way for them to make a change in the DP community.

“It’s more so how can you voice your opinions and what you feel like towards the school and you’re actually able to do something about it,” Kashaf said.