The annual Upper School Leadership Retreat held Saturday, August 8. In years past, a faculty member has organized and led the retreat, but this year, Head of Upper School, Henry Heil, tasked the Student Council Executive Team to take it on. The five seniors (Sam Curtis, Cleo Neuhoff, Penny North, Ava Thompson, and Hollis Wood) hit the ground running and eagerly took on the project. Nearly 80 student leaders from Vestry members to sports captains to Affinity Group officers united to discuss the challenges of leading others during highly unusual times. Conversations included leading during a pandemic, leadership qualities, and diversity and inclusion at ESD.

"This outstanding group of young people engaged their peers in conversations about wellness and inclusive leadership and reviewed insightful case studies - some specific scenarios they might encounter during the year and how best to respond," said Henry Heil, Head of Upper School. "The day was a resounding success and demonstrated, once again, that ESD's students will rise to the occasion when given the opportunity. Most of all, seeing the many smiling and eager faces on my computer screen reminded me of what a special community we have here on Merrell Road."

Many thanks to Student Council and all of our student leaders at ESD for their dedication to our school. We look forward to a tremendous year ahead.