Developing Leaders

New this year to Jesuit High School, the Leaders at Jesuit Retreat on Monday (Aug. 22) brought together student leaders – club officers and sports team captains – for a day of leadership exercises at Mary Help of Christians.

A cooperative effort between the Directors of Student Activities (Mike Scicchitano ’01), Campus Ministry (Fr. Patrick Hough, S.J.), and Athletics (Terry Rupp ’84), the Leaders at Jesuit Retreat provided an opportunity for Jesuit students who occupy leadership positions to develop their leadership skills. Among the 46 students at the retreat, 23 clubs and sports teams were represented.

Leadership development is emphasized at Jesuit, as “Student Life and Leadership’’ is one of the four pillars of the school’s Strategic Plan.

“The Leaders at Jesuit Retreat was created to bring together student leaders from Jesuit’s sports teams and clubs to equip them with the skills and tools to be effective servant leaders,’’ Scicchitano said. “The retreat drew its inspiration from St. Ignatius’ leadership of the Society of Jesus – I can think of no better example for our students to learn from.”

Stages in the life of St. Ignatius, the founder of the Society of Jesus, provided a leadership template for the retreat. Topics included forms of communication, composure, optimism, confidence building, servant leadership, commitment, and character. Students engaged in large and small group discussions, role-play scenarios, and reflection.

Near the end of the retreat, the students were required to write a personal leadership mission statement, and answer questions about things such as what their role as a leader should be this year, and what does my moderator/coach want my role to be.

View a photo slideshow from Monday's Leaders at Jesuit Retreat below: