BENTONVILLE — A school that emphasizes leadership skills got a visit Friday from one of the region's most prominent leaders.
U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, was impressed by the students he met during his visit to Mary Mae Jones Elementary — so impressed, in fact, he said he thought they could teach his fellow members of Congress a few things.
"I think I can take you guys to Washington and fix the country," he said.
Womack was there to observe the school's Leader in Me program that helps develop leadership as well as confidence, responsibility, accountability and teamwork among students. The program is based on the book "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey and is in place in more than 1,500 schools.
Students throughout the school are assigned various responsibilities.
"Our goal is to give every student a leadership role, because they're all leaders," said Ashley Williams, principal.
A group of Student Council members met Womack at the main office then led him on a tour of the school. Superintendent Michael Poore, School Board president Wendi Cheatham and former state legislator Tim Summers also joined the tour.