Leading the Way

Steward’s Leadership Program is a three-year pathway for students in grades 9-11 that combines hands-on learning with academic studies, enabling participants to become effective, empathetic leaders. The program focuses on group dynamics, conflict resolution, global engagement, and social justice. Students complete a Year 2 project during their sophomore year (or junior year if they joined the program as sophomores). 

“Year two of the program encourages students to put into practice their leadership skills,” explained Eliza McGehee, program coordinator. Students use the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework when planning and implementing their capstone project to create positive change on an issue of their choice. 

Below is an overview of this year’s projects.

Kate Bradley ’28, Zara Borgard ’28, Naomie Crosby ’28, and Scottie Seay ’28 are teaming up for a project that centers on SDG #3: Health and Well-being. They have created a social media campaign about substance abuse to raise awareness in the Steward community about how addiction impacts individuals, their families, and communities.

Zara said, “Substance abuse has become common in our generation today, and it can go unnoticed in the beginning stages. We want to post information that can help parents, students, and others take the correct steps to identify and address substance abuse.” After researching substance abuse, Kate, Zara, Naomie, and Scottie created infographics that will be used in their social media messaging. 

“We decided social media was a good way to spread awareness because so many people in our generation use Instagram,” noted Zara. “We are using the hashtag #TheStewardPreventionProject to illustrate the risks of substance abuse, and to have a meaningful way to identify our project.”

Zara and her teammates added, “The Leadership Program taught us about ourselves in the first year, when we each discovered what type of leader we are and how we deal with conflict. Identifying these traits has made it easier to grow within our leadership characteristics and has helped when teaming up to do group work. The Year 2 project is enabling us to put into practice the skills we have learned.”

Juliet Forlano ’28, Henry Pietrantoni ’28, Cece Lentz ’28, and Piper Seeley ’28 are working together to write and illustrate a children’s book on belonging, which aligns with SDG #4: Quality Education. After self-publishing the book, they plan to visit several local schools and Steward’s Lower School, where they will read their book and lead students in discussions about belonging. 

On April 1, from 3:30-5 p.m. on Waddell Terrace and in the Art Gallery, Layla Dwelle ’28, Emory Burns ’27, and Addison Bearden ’27 will host a sustainable farmers market. Open to the entire Steward community, the event will feature local vendors who make and sell sustainably made products. This group’s project aligns with  SDG #12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

In conjunction with SDG #16: Peace, Justice, Strong Institutions, Ellie Massino ’28, Lexi Turner ’28, and Gabe Zepeda ’28 will host a self-defense class for Upper Schoolers on April 14 from 3:30-5 p.m. in the gym. The students’ aim is to promote safety and well-being for their fellow Spartans. Note: Students who wish to participate need to sign up with this Google Form and complete a parent permission form and liability waiver. 

Inspired by SDG #6: Clean Water and Sanitation, Noah Bender ’28, Elijah Kauffman ’28, and Braeden Zehfuss ’28 are creating an informational poster about local resources and instructions about what to do if there is a boil water advisory or other issues regarding access to safe water. They will distribute the posters through a canvassing campaign in the local Richmond area.

On April 23 from 3:15-4:30 p.m. on Waddell Terrace, Kate Gresock ’28, Reese Jones ’28, Julia Murray ’28, and Sofia Ruffin ’28 will host a hands-on activity in which students will learn about the importance of plants in promoting a healthy climate. This gathering is open to all Steward Lower School students. This project aligns with SDG #13: Climate Action. 

Nate Jennings ’28,  Drew Mack ’28, Jack Niemas ’28, and Braden Smith ’28 chose SDG #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth as the springboard for their service project. They will host a workshop for Upper School students during community time about personal finance topics such as budgeting, saving, and best practices for applying for jobs. The date and location will be shared with Upper School students soon. 

“I am excited by the range of projects this year, as they demonstrate how students can think creatively to make a difference at Steward and in the local Richmond community,” said Ms. McGehee. For questions about any of this year’s projects, please contact Ms. McGehee.