From Ideas to Action: The Power of Severn’s Adaptive Challenge

Every August, around 100 returning Upper School students voluntarily come together for three days of collaboration, reflection, and innovation. But this isn’t your typical leadership seminar. It’s a space where students don’t just learn about leadership—they live it, reimagining what their school community can be.

At the heart of this experience is the Adaptive Challenge, a unifying call to action for the year ahead. “The point of the Adaptive Challenge is to create a goal for our school community to aim for throughout the year,” explains senior Marcus Schwartz. “We look at what we do well as a community and where we can improve, and then we choose a phrase that encapsulates a goal for this specific school year.”

This year, with Lower, Middle, and Upper Schoolers all sharing the same campus for one special year, the phrase “Pave the Way” rose to the top. It’s more than just a motto, it’s a mission. Upper School students see it as their responsibility to lead by example, to pave the way for younger students by modeling kindness, inclusivity, and school spirit. It’s also a rallying cry to step out of comfort zones—join new clubs, cheer on peers at games and performances, and show up for one another in ways that matter.

But arriving at this powerful phrase wasn’t a simple task. Over two days of small group workshops, students brainstormed, debated, and refined their ideas. The final decision came during a high-energy, all-hands-on-deck session where every voice was heard. And here’s the twist: the winner isn’t chosen by vote but through thoughtful discussion and unanimous consensus.

“Year after year, I’m amazed at how good we are at listening to each other’s ideas without interrupting or putting anyone down. It’s a really cool experience,” says Schwartz.

Upper School Assistant Head Marc Buckley, one of the event’s organizers, likens the Adaptive Challenge to climbing Mount Everest. “The phrase is like the summit we’re all striving for. It’s not necessarily about reaching the top, it’s about the journey, the teamwork, and the growth we experience along the way.”

Beneath the buzz of brainstorming and skill-building lies something even more profound: a shared commitment to a culture where every voice matters and everyone belongs. Year after year, these students don’t just imagine a better Severn, they create it, one inspired idea at a time. This isn’t just leadership in action, it’s leadership with heart. And it’s paving the way for a school community that thrives together.