Learning About Leadership Students Reflect on How Their Experiences Tie Real-world Practices to Benedictine Values The preceding article about this year’s faculty committees addressed the focus area of formation and leadership. Part of that committee’s charge is developing new programming for leadership development, but also to examine practices we already have in place that we can build off of in the future. Three of our students—two seniors, one junior— have written here about their leadership opportunities in the school.
“They made me feel so at home” Tutoria helps bridge the gap between the Junior School and High School experiences By Joe Hunt ’20 Even though Tuesday mornings can be late starts for everyone in the High School, they are a great time for establishing a sense of community and brotherhood on campus because of Tutoria. Tutoria is a dedicated time for High School students to lead Junior School students in the practice of lectio divina, along with games and conversations about the younger students’ experiences at Priory. It’s the perfect balance between sports and prayer incorporated into Priory’s Junior School curriculum, and is something I believe makes Priory stand out among high schools in the area. When we take part in Tutoria, we are aiming to strengthen not only the relationship between us and the Junior Schoolers, but between us and God as well. I knew that I wanted to get involved in Tutoria as a High Schooler just a few weeks into 7th grade. I came from a very small
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elementary school, and only knew a couple of kids coming into my first year. However, after my first trimester came to a close, the leaders of my Tutoria group made me feel so at home. It made me excited to see and hang out with them every Tuesday. This year I have been working with Ben Glarner ’20, Brennan Spellman ’20, and Dominic Kraus ’20 as Tutoria leaders. Our goals have been to focus on the spiritual aspect of tutoria, by organizing special service days for tutors to take part in, and a Tutoria retreat sometime in the Spring. There are so many great opportunities to develop leadership skills at Priory. Besides Tutoria, I also participate in the Guild of St. Columkille, and play varsity soccer. With the countless leadership opportunities at Priory, every student can choose their own path towards success.
