Is happiness a choice? On April 2nd, 2025, Harnessing Happiness gave us an undeniable “yesâ€â€”for the second year in a row. Students from across eastern Iowa gathered for a one-of-a-kind leadership experience grounded in positive psychology, emotional growth, and meaningful human connection. But this year, we didn’t just bring back the magic—we amplified it. Bigger smiles, deeper bonds, and a powerful ripple effect of impact that’s still being felt.
142 change makers. 14 high schools. One purpose.
This wasn’t your average leadership conference — it was a 100% student-planned movement. Hosted by the Smile Squad, as seen in the photo, and proudly organized by the Independence Student Council.
So what did the day actually look like?
We kicked things off with check-in and good vibes, followed by a grounding welcome and meditation to help everyone settle into the space. We launched into a high-energy challenge that got students up, thinking, and connecting fast. It set the tone perfectly for what came next: a problem-solving challenge where each group identified a real issue they face at school and worked together to create actionable solutions. The ideas were thoughtful, creative, and showed just how powerful student leadership can be when given autonomy.
Our keynote speakers Karl Kurt and Dr. Leslie Moore from Central Rivers AEA brought serious wisdom and inspiration, setting the tone for a day full of purpose. We followed that up with a much-needed snack break—popcorn, cheese sticks, oranges, and some seriously top-tier baked goods. Then it was time for networking—an opportunity for students to step outside their usual circles, spark new connections, and dive into meaningful conversations.
From there, it was all about team bonding, where students deepened connections through interactive challenges and collaborative fun. After working up an appetite, we broke for lunch (shoutout to Joe’s Pizza) — a perfect time to relax, recharge, and connect with leaders from other schools. Then came the breakout sessions, where students dove into real-world leadership topics through either the Arts (Randall Kinner) or Athletics (Austin Pink), led by speakers who brought passion, experience, and powerful insights. We wrapped the day with a final reflection and a celebration of just how much growth took place in such a short amount of time.
We’ve got to give a massive round of applause to Geater Machining & Manufacturing, hands-down the best sponsor we could’ve ever asked for and my personal favorite I have ever gotten the opportunity to work with. From the very beginning, they believed in our vision and gave us the support we needed to bring it to life. This entire event—every breakout session, every slice of pizza, every unforgettable moment—wouldn’t have been possible without their generosity and encouragement. GMM didn’t just sponsor Harnessing Happiness—they helped power it. We’re beyond grateful for everything they’ve done to make this dream a reality. Thank you GMM and Melissa Trumbauer!
