Knightly News

Bravery, effort, advocacy and determination. Middle School administrators want to encourage these leadership traits and more as the entire school community focuses on Developing Leaders this year. Division Head Anne Dalton, Counselor Katie Carpenter and Middle School Dean of Student Life Dr. Taylor Wharton are thrilled to launch new initiatives to help sixth, seventh and eighth graders become leaders in their school and beyond.

Leadership Groups

This year, Middle School will have its own Honor Council to guide students through academic concerns. The group will be modeled after the Upper School group and led by the Upper School Advisor, Patrick Doring. “The primary purpose of the Honor Council is to uphold the integrity of the Honor Code by conducting investigations into potential Code violations and reporting their findings and recommendations for consequences to both the Division Head and Dean of Students,” says Doring. “The Honor Council also serves to educate the school community about the importance and expectations of the Honor Code, thereby strengthening the community as a whole.” 

In addition, the Middle School Student Council will include more students with bigger responsibilities. Dr. Wharton says students will lead morning meetings and provide insights for school dances, field day and other community activities. She points out that as students of this age are figuring out who they are, it’s important to provide them with meaningful opportunities to grow and develop. This year’s Student Council will play a significant role in the Middle School culture.

Leadership Live

How do you lead? How would you have led differently? These are some of the questions that Episcopal community members will be invited to answer as part of the new morning meeting Leadership Live panel discussions. Dr. Wharton says Student Council members will interview invited guests on the Visual & Performing Arts Center stage in front of the entire Middle School student body. The goal is for students to learn directly from leaders and to understand the qualities that make a good leader. The team hopes students recognize their leadership potential and are inspired to make their school a better place.

Leadership in Action

The Middle School team is also launching a new recognition program to encourage on-the-spot leadership. Dr. Wharton invites faculty and staff from all divisions to complete a Leadership in Action comment form when they witness a Middle School student leading. Student leadership comes in a variety of forms and may be a student opening a door, helping someone carry supplies or offering an encouraging word. Nominated students will be recognized at morning meeting and celebrated by their peers. Administrators hope the positive reinforcement serves as inspiration for classmates.

Middle School Joy

Middle School can be tough, making intentional and positive character development essential. “It doesn’t have to be a difficult right of passage,” says Dalton. “We’re focusing on joy and responsibility. We want them to take healthy risks in school now before they reach Upper School. We want them to learn to set expectations and how to deal with failure.” Carpenter agrees and says she wants students to put themselves out there and do their best. She frequently encourages students to simply try.

Exciting things are happening in Middle School this year. Congratulations to the student leaders who were recently elected to lead the charge and make a difference in their school!

Honor Council

Eighth Graders:

Winnie Borman

Elizabeth Levy

Ellis Wood

Seventh Graders:

Cappa Spaht

Lydia Sutcliffe

Sixth Grader:

Turner Smith

Student Council

Eighth Graders:

David Dampf

Mazie Smith

Ellis Wood

Seventh Graders:

Connor Moroney

Chloe Rogers

Rivers Vey

Sixth Graders:

Reese Caccavo

Lucy Castille

Carter Wellons

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.