Agents for Change

In Steward’s Leadership Program, Coordinator Eliza McGehee guides students as they explore their personal leadership style through both individual and group work. The first-year curriculum includes lessons on group dynamics and conflict resolution. Year two of the program seeks to develop leaders who are both globally and locally engaged with the complex issues facing the world today. 

Through the lens of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), current second-year Leadership students are participating in a year-long exploration of various global issues. They have developed service projects in the Richmond area that directly address the SDGs, from eliminating hunger and poverty to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all. 

“Spartans of all ages learn the importance of making connections with the community beyond campus,” said Ms. McGehee. “Our second-year Leadership students, working in teams, researched SDGs and created projects that feel important to them. They are excited to invite Steward families to join them in the community-based initiatives that they created.”

This project includes a supply drive for Housing Families First to help address income inequalities. Cleaning supplies, kitchen supplies, and trash bags will be collected from February 21-March 16 and can be dropped off in boxes around the Upper School. There is also an opportunity for Upper Schoolers to volunteer with Housing Families First on March 22. Contact Sienna Rankins ’25 and Sarah Vermaaten ’25 for more information. 

This project seeks to fight food deserts in the Richmond area by partnering with Goochland Cares for a neighborhood food drive. Upper School students will also have the opportunity to volunteer at Goochland Cares to learn more about the effects food shortages have on our community. Contact Caroline Everett ’25, Morgan Shigley ’25, and Kaylyn Whiteside ’25 for more information.

Quality Education
This project partners with Peter Paul Developmental Center to conduct a drive for school supplies that will benefit local Richmond elementary schools. The supply drive will take place in the Upper School from March 13-April 21. Please donate supplies from this list, which will also be posted around the School. Contact Lina Dawson ’25, Sadie Goldberg ’25, and Meg Harrison ’25 for more information.

This project partners with YWCA to help combat domestic violence in the Richmond area. YWCA will conduct a workshop for Upper School students in April about recognizing relationship abuse. There will also be an Upper School drive for the YWCA’s necessary items. Contact Anna Carpinelli ’25 and Braylan Rice ’25 for more information.

Many people forget that we are lucky to have safe and affordable drinking water, while millions of people worldwide do not have access to this necessity. This group is excited to educate the Upper School community about water safety, purification, and access, and to celebrate UN Water Day, which takes place in late March. Contact Brian Archer ’25, Nels Moore ’25, and Xavier Nelson ’25 for more information.

Addressing sustainability and development in Richmond, this project's goal is to work with Capital Trees to maintain existing green spaces around the city. Upper School students will have the opportunity to volunteer at Capital Trees locations this spring. Contact Justin Fratkin ’25 and Nathan Gu ’25 for more information.

Life Below Water
Students will work with the James River Association and organize Upper School volunteers from Steward to clean up trash along the James River. In addition, this project will educate the Steward community about the importance of keeping our waterways clean. Contact Jordyn Adkins ’25 and Shreya Natarajan ’25 for more information.