Student Service in Action: Signal Mountain Middle High Leo Club
April 24, 2026 – At Signal Mountain Middle High School’s Leo Club, students are learning that leadership begins with service. Sponsored by the Signal Mountain Lions Club, the club has grown into one of the largest Leo Clubs in Tennessee, giving students opportunities to make a difference while building skills that last far beyond high school.
Leo Clubs are the official youth service clubs of Lions Clubs International. The name Leo stands for Leadership, Experience, Opportunity, and members around the world take part in service projects while developing teamwork, confidence, and leadership skills. Lions Clubs International describes Leos as “devoted young people who realize the power of action.”
Faculty sponsor Michael Goza said the purpose of the club is to “give students exposure to working within the community, serving the community, and then experiencing leadership opportunities.” He added that the hope is those experiences “continue in the rest of their lives.”
With between 180 and 220 members each year, the club participates in 18 to 24 service events annually, including recycling projects, blood drives, Meals for Hope, Wreaths Across America, and community festivals. Goza said the club aims to be “a vehicle that allows students to get exposure and how they can be involved within the community.”
For student leader Collette Lynch, the Leo Club has created a sense of belonging while helping her grow in confidence.
“It helps me feel more connected to the school and gives me opportunities to actually be involved in the community,” she said. “It’s like putting yourself out there, but still feeling safe and secure.”
Lynch said one of her favorite service events is the Labor Day barbecue because it has been part of her life for years. “Usually my family will go to that, so it’s been something we’ve done since I was so little. And now I get to help actually be a part of it,” she said.
Lynch, who serves as one of the club’s secretaries, said the experience has prepared her for the future. “It’s given me a lot of confidence,” she shared. “I used to be pretty shy, but now I feel confident enough to go talk to someone about my experiences.” She also said the organization has helped her build leadership and communication skills.
Both leaders say the impact of volunteering reaches beyond any single project. Lynch said service gives students “a sense of purpose and a sense of accomplishment afterwards,” while Goza noted that it helps students connect with people outside their usual circles and “go beyond my comfort zone.”
During National Volunteer Week, the Leo Club is a great reminder that service isn’t just something a few people do, it’s something any student can be part of. Whether it’s a big project or a small act of helping out, students can make a real difference in their school and community. The work happening at Signal Mountain Middle High shows that when students show up and get involved, it adds up in meaningful ways.
It’s also a reminder that this spirit of service isn’t limited to one school—it’s happening all across the county. From schools to community organizations, students everywhere are stepping up and finding ways to help others. No matter where they are, every student has the ability to make a difference through simple acts of service and involvement.
