Everyone works better when they have clear job responsibilities. Perhaps that’s why Bill Taylor gives his prefects specific realms to oversee, charging them to shepherd vital elements of the school community. While Head Prefect Jack Makris serves as the voice between students and faculty and keeps a watchful eye over all, here’s what his fellow prefects oversee:
Ryan Winn, Junior Prefect, concentrates on civic honor. “I try to keep everyone positive, inclusive and healthy. This ranges from learning people’s names, sitting at different tables every day, joining a wide range of clubs, and showing interest in parts of the community that I might not actually be in.” Kenny McDougal focuses on academic honor. “I head up the Honor Council, whose goal is not to punish students but to help them get back on the path of academic honesty when they have veered off.”
Community service falls under Will Estony’s purview. He helped orchestrate a 5K run on campus in October to support breast cancer research. This winter, he hopes to raise awareness of Haiti’s struggles post-Hurricane Matthew. “We envision serving a dinner of rice, beans, and water to give a tiny insight into the impoverished situation of most Haitians. Participation in this meal would be voluntary and funds raised would help purchase and ship nonperishable foods to the country.”
Hunter Olstein supports arts integration across the spectrum. “Visual arts classes create sets for the theater; the music department put together a pit band for the fall play; actors from the theater arts class will act out Shakespearean monologues for some English classes. These initiatives mesh well with the School’s emphasis on project-based learning.”
Jordi Jefferson promotes zeal. “My job is to get the brotherhood out of the dorms and into the bleachers. I get kids fired up for games!” Chris Connolly hones in on victuals. “I started a food committee and we meet twice a month to discuss food choices. I then talk with Scott and Kim of Culinart who are receptive to new ideas.” Jeff Thompson is in charge of environmental concerns. “I want to make sure T-P steps up recycling and other ‘green’ efforts. More recycled cans mean more funds contributed to Relay for Life.”
Are these designated areas of responsibility paying off? According to Ryan Winn, “This system allows for greater organization. Since we each have our own thing, the School runs smoothly.”
Chris Connolly added, “Focusing our jobs encourages us to make small changes individually which leads to collective change overall.”
Spoken like responsible leaders.