Once classes and exams are in the rearview mirror and summer vacation is within reach, the junior class at Trinity-Pawling comes together one last time — shifting their collective focus to the school year ahead and the important role that they will play as seniors on campus.
Trinity-Pawling has a rich history of leadership programs for rising seniors, ones that distinguish strong student-leaders at the School and foster meaningful relationships among the class. Formerly known as the Ropes Course, the Rising Senior Leadership Program features a slate of leadership-building activities held over the course of three days on campus. From boat building and engaging group discussions to completing a small ropes course and planning activities for the next school year, members of the Class of 2024 work together to set goals, build character, develop new skills, and perhaps most importantly, make lasting memories.
We recently caught up with Director of College Counseling Slade Mead — the fearless co-leader behind the Rising Senior Leadership Program this year — to learn more about this important part of the Trinity-Pawling experience.
How does the Rising Senior Leadership Program add value to students’ experiences at Trinity-Pawling?
“Three ways. First, it gets the rising seniors to focus on the fact that they are now the leaders of the School and therefore set the tone for the 2023-2024 school year. Second, the program gets everyone out of their usual groups and is a great opportunity for the new seniors to get to know one another better. Third, we have some really fun activities. This week allows the students to go back home for the summer feeling good about school and feeling a true sense of pride. Leaving right after exams can be a bit of a downer, but leaving after huge, class-wide activities allows them to leave on an emotional high!”
What are the primary skills and lessons that students take away from the program?
“There are so many great skills the boys come away with, but the two that I feel are of special quality are inclusion and spit-balling. During the leadership program, every rising senior has an opportunity to be heard. If someone has a good idea for next year, he throws it out on the table. The prefects are the elected leaders, but all members of the Class of 2024 can be true leaders. Spit-balling is related…perhaps someone throws out an idea, which sparks a variation off of that idea, and so on. Before you know it, a new plan or activity is hatched.”
What is your favorite aspect of the program?
“Everyone gets to know one another in a really fun environment. Exams are over…and it is time for the group to play. Here on campus, we are situated on nearly 300 acres of amazing beauty and facilities. Let’s use them and have some fun!”
In your opinion, what makes a great student-leader?
“Someone who does the right thing when no one is watching. I know it’s a cliché, but it is true. Every now and then, someone actually is watching. The younger students emulate the seniors. If EVERY senior puts in the effort to set a positive tone, next year can and will be amazing!”
by Emma Quigley