Leadership by Example: Upper School Prefects and the 3rd Grade Leadership Museum

1/8/2024

Each year as our 3rd grade students complete their social studies unit on leadership, newly appointed Severn Prefects visit the Lower School to talk about what it means to be a leader in the Upper School community. For our Lower School students, this is an opportunity to talk about leadership in an authentic, relatable framework. For our Prefects, it’s their first official duty going into senior year at Severn.

Relevant Leadership

Through their comprehensive social studies unit on leadership, 3rd grade teachers Ms. Jennie Kantowski and Ms. Cecily Duda help our students research leaders and leadership strategies that are meaningful and relevant to their lives. It’s important for our 3rd graders to “see themselves” in their research and make the connection that anyone at any age can make a difference in our world.

"The students start learning about Mohandas Gandi, then they learn about current, young leaders who have started their own organizations, such as Craig Kielberger of Free the Children. Using their research, they create a 3-dimensional final project that represents their leader." — Ms. Kantowksi

Because the unit focuses on current, young leaders, the Prefects’ visit is a perfect complement to their study. Our third graders shift focus from leaders out in the world and start to see the value of strong leadership in our own community. To prepare for the visit, third graders created lists of questions to ask the Prefects:

What ideas do you have to be an effective leader?
As a Prefect, explain ways you will get other students engaged to make a positive difference.
Share an inspirational thought for Lower school students to become leaders.

Severn 3rd graders interview Upper School students to learn about leadership. — **Shreeya Bahethi** ‘18 shares her ideas on leadership with **Katie Mentesana** ‘26, **Mackenzie Hilliard** '26 and **Lizzie Zaremski** '26.

After interviewing the Prefects, 3rd graders presented their in-progress projects for the leadership museum. The Prefects gave constructive feedback then jumped in with glue guns and markers at the ready to help the 3rd graders complete their work.

Severn 3rd graders show their leadership visual aid to Upper School student during our cross-campus leadership workshop. — **Suzy Urban** ‘26 and **Emily Bartz** ‘26 get feedback from **Ben Elster** ‘18 on their leadership project.

Jacob Jarosz ‘18 lends a hand to Ryan Cowell ‘26. — **Jacob Jarosz** ‘18 lends a hand to **Gavin Leavy** ‘26.

“It was amazing to see the third graders collaborate with the Prefects on a project that was hands-on, creative and enriching.” — Ms. Kantowski

After working independently and with the Prefects, our 3rd graders were excited to present their projects to parents and peers at the Leadership Museum.

Severn 3rd grader presents her leadership project to parents at the leadership museum day. — **Olivia Arnold** ‘26 presents her project at the Leadership Museum.

A First Step for Our Class of 2018 Prefects

Senior Prefects are selected from the junior class in the spring to serve as senior student leaders. After going through a rigorous application and interview process, students are selected for their leadership potential, integrity, and their commitment to our community. The visit with our 3rd grade is the first of many duties they will take on during their remaining time at Severn. It’s a fun way to kick start their new positions, while also teaching 3rd graders what good leadership looks like at our school.

Severn’s class of 2018 prefects post before their first official duty as Upper School leaders. — Class of 2018 prefects. Back row:**Jane Huang** ‘18, **Ben Elstner** ‘18, Jared Dove ‘18, **Everett Cortes** ‘18, **Sam Williams** ‘18, **Jacob Jarosz** ‘18.
Front row: **Courtney Freeman** ‘18, **Sam Agro** ‘18, **Olivia Smith** ‘18, Shreethi Batheti ‘18, **Kennedy Albers** ‘18, and **Inde Lauer** ‘18.

In addition to this visit, Prefects participate in a leadership workshop in the fall, assist with the transition to Upper School for 9th graders all year, and plan the new student orientation, homecoming, and other social events. They also act as assistant class advisors and participate in admissions events. Learn more about student leadership at Severn Upper School.

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