Knightly News

This year’s Middle School Leadership Live! is a great example of how divisions are leaning into the school’s Developing Leaders theme. Guided by Dean of Students Dr. Taylor Wharton, the Middle School Student Council launched the leadership series to give the student body an opportunity to hear from a variety of leaders during the division’s morning meeting. The first guest on the panel was Upper School student Kadi Sumbler, who also earned the title of Miss Louisiana Teen USA. 

Recently, Head of School Dr. Carrie Steakley joined students for the second installation in the series. Students Reese Caccavo and Lucy Castille interviewed Dr. Steakley on the Visual and Performing Arts Center stage. Dr. Steakley shared how her path to leadership grew from her calling to be a teacher. By following her passion for education, she took on progressive leadership roles, eventually becoming Episcopal’s fifth Head of School in 2020. With a successful career, Dr. Steakley’s leadership advice for Middle School students is to cultivate positivity and look for the good in everyone.

Learning by Observing Others

The Leadership Live! discussions are already having a positive influence on students. “I learned that becoming a leader takes time, but you become a better leader every day,” says Reese. “I also learned that you have to be confident. As I watched them I noticed that they felt comfortable talking and enjoyed themselves.” 

“From the first two guest speakers, I have learned that being a leader may not be something that you just really want to be whenever you grow up,” says  Lucy. “It sort of happens along the way. With Katie Sumbler she is still in High School and has made an amazing accomplishment. She said that she never realized that she wanted to be a leader until it just struck her.”

That confidence was also noted by fellow Student Council member Mazie Smith, who says that seeing the leaders speak before a large audience has helped her become more confident and believe in herself. “Not only have they taught me to not worry about what other people think, but to also believe in goals that seem impossible.”

Recognizing Leadership Skills

As a member of the Student Council, Reese takes time to get to know classmates. “I think I am a leader that likes to lead by example,” she says. “I do that by being kind, being respectful, and just listening to people because being part of the student council is really being a voice for other people.” Mazie’s leadership approach is bringing classmates' ideas together to improve the school. “Leadership is not just about being in charge of everybody,” she says. “It’s about making everybody feel welcome, cared for, and valued.” Lucy says she tries to listen as a leader. “I also have to speak up.” she says. “Sometimes in Student Council meetings I get kind of scared to speak up and I just listen to what others have to say hoping that someone will say what I was thinking. Coach Dupe, has taught me something that I will never forget, ‘No one’s name is somebody.’ That has taught me to speak up and listen to others better.”

The students agree that Middle School leadership opportunities are great preparation for the future. Reese says taking on a Middle School leadership role will help her in Upper School because she will know how to manage more responsibilities. “Having a leadership role at Episcopal has helped me learn how to communicate better and listen to others,” says Mazie. “These leadership experiences are preparing me for upper school by helping me learn how to be a true leader by being one in the moment.” says Lucy. “Even by making bullying prevention month slides for morning meeting has really helped me learn. The interviews showed me how real leaders act. While still at a young age it is good for me to learn how to be a leader.”

Empowering Middle School Students to Lead

In addition to Leadership Live!, the council and Dr. Wharton are introducing leadership concepts in other ways. At the recent Camp Cho-Yeh retreat, eighth graders learned about leading others and themselves. Periodically, Middle School students caught in leadership moments are also recognized for their efforts during morning meeting. In addition, the Student Council is providing more leadership and guidance regarding the student body experience.

Middle School is a critical development period in a student’s life. Empowering them with leadership skills now helps them establish traits that will benefit them in Upper School and beyond.

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