Tower Summer 2022

This is such a student-led class
that it’s really interesting to see
them as they start in the class
and their growth throughout.
Ms. Melissa Brenner, Middle School Teacher
Upcoming eighth graders interested in this class are selected
after careful review from the previous class and Ms. Benner.
“Students should come to the class with an open mind,” said
student Carington Helms.
With targeted instruction and coaching in service-learning,
students discover and increase their leadership and
collaborative skills, as well as their character. They are
also oriented in the steps of project planning using teachercreated
tools that help them engage in reflection practices, as
well as, discussing leadership characteristics. Some practices
during class include committee work, where they learn how to
plan and pitch ideas such as “Casual for a Cause” to Mr. Troy
Urquhart, Dean of the Middle School and Mrs. Emilie Fracker,
Associate Dean of Middle School. They also partnered with
South Lake Animal League and prepared a food and toy drive
for pets at the Academy.
Another interesting part of class includes “Tuesday Ted
Talks”, where students watch a short Ted Talk, chosen by
Ms. Benner and answer questions about the video.
“It is mostly about what the purpose is behind what the
speaker is saying and convincing an audience to be
engaged,” said Helms.
“It’s really interesting to see the students as they start in the
class and their growth throughout,” said Ms. Benner.
“For example, they work at the Eagle Café, and I helped them
the first time and then they took over. They do everything.
They have control over the entire process which helps so
much when it comes to working as a team.”
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, students can design and
execute a lesson on a leadership style or characteristic style
to build better leaders amongst their peers. They range from
choosing videos to watch or participating in an interactive
activity that builds their character, time management skills,
and multi-tasking skills.
“I have definitely accomplished a lot in class this year,”
said one student. “We get to do and learn so many fun
things at the same time while helping the community. You
enjoy everything you work for in this class so you can’t
be afraid to put yourself out there. Not everything will go
exactly as you planned so don’t be discouraged or afraid
of putting yourself out there because it’s normal to get
rejected at times.”
Although next year’s class has already been chosen,
rising seventh graders can sign up for the class in
the 2023-24 academic year at the end of the 2022-23
academic year.
THE TOWER | SUMMER 2022 31