Eighth Graders Reflect on Leadership in Elections

At this time of year, it is easy to let things slide. With less than a month left of school, and given the current distance learning model, it would be easy to avoid responsibility and leave assignments incomplete. But that’s not what Cardigan’s Core Values teach, and it’s not what the School’s student leaders are doing—even if they can’t be on campus.

As the 2019-20 student leaders prepare for graduation and their transition to secondary school, eighth graders have the opportunity to stand up and express their interest in leading the School next fall. In all, an impressive 54 students submitted applications in which they were asked to reflect on what makes a good leader and what challenges they think they will face if they are elected.

The first step in the election process—in which the entire Cardigan community evaluates each of the candidates individually on their ability to live the Cardigan Core Values of Compassion, Integrity, Respect, and Courage—determines who will be the dorm leaders, job leaders, and green key leader. Then, before the school leader and assistant school leader are elected in a separate ballot, they have a chance to speak to the community during a special all-school assembly. 

Mr. Nowak began the virtual Chapel service, thanking this year’s School Leader Bryce Terry ’20 and Assistant School Leader Heewoo Jung ’20: “I know that everyone else who is on this webinar shares my appreciation for the work they have done this year. They’ve set an incredible example…We couldn’t have asked for better leaders this year.”

“To me, leadership is about service—to the school, to the students, to the community. A leader is someone who helps others make the right decision.”Conley Bohan ’21

The Cardigan community then heard from six members of the current eighth grade, each sharing their persuasive deliberations on what it means to be a school leader. And while each shared his own unique perspective, what was clear was the influence Cardigan has had on all the boys and on forming their knowledge of leadership and service to others. It is worth noting that this knowledge comes not from a class or textbook, but instead from the school leaders before them, who were the first to welcome them to Cardigan and daily set a high bar for what it means to be a Cardigan brother.

Cayden Van Dolah ’21 opened his speech with memories of his first days at Cardigan and the leaders who helped him settle into the school’s routine: “I will never forget my first day on The Point and how quickly the student leaders made me feel comfortable around everyone. I have taken the way those student leaders helped me using servant leadership and applied that knowledge to my everyday life.” Cayden finished by saying, “I will leave you with this. I plan to live, promote, uphold, and sustain the Cardigan Way. I will bring the community even closer and make every Cardigan student feel they belong in our outstanding community. I will be a mentor, a role model, and most importantly a friend to all.”

While Daniel Valenti ’21 has only been a member of the community since September, he shared that he quickly learned how much everyone at Cardigan cares for each other. He recalled that when he broke his elbow mountain biking in the fall, “I realized that if the faculty could show me so much compassion and support, I could show other Cardigan students how to be patient with themselves and help them aim high…I realize now that Cardigan’s Core Values are how you get things done and fix things both as a leader and a student.” He went on to talk about the Cardigan brotherhood and the need to give everyone a voice so that they can all contribute to the Cardigan community. 

“One of the most important qualities of being a good leader, and a courageous one, is to listen…I truly feel that all good leaders are outstanding listeners…”Heesung “Daniel” Jung ’21

Zihan “Harrison” Huang ’21 also shared memories about the Cardigan community. As an international student, Harrison and many of his classmates had trouble getting home this spring when the School made the choice to transition to distance learning. “After safely arriving home and thinking back about these past experiences,” Harrison said, “I was grateful to the dedicated faculty and to Cardigan Mountain School for demonstrating its culture and Core Values by caring for each individual.” Harrison went on to share that he wants to step up and help Cardigan realize its goals and mission, and as the school leader he “wants to make Cardigan your second home and us a part of your family.”

That family is what drew Conley Bohan ’21 to Cardigan when he was just eight years old. He shared in his speech that he still remembers attending a hockey tournament on campus: “I could tell on that day that the atmosphere was different at Cardigan…I am proud to call Cardigan Mountain School my home, and what I do on The Point will stay with me for life.” Conley also shared, “I have thought a lot about leadership over the past few weeks. To me, leadership is about service—to the school, to the students, to the community. A leader is someone who helps others make the right decision. It is someone who sets the bar, only to then help others surpass it.”

“I was grateful to the dedicated faculty and to Cardigan Mountain School for demonstrating its culture and Core Values by caring for each individual.”Zihan “Harrison” Huang ’21

For Heesung “Daniel” Jung ’21 leadership looks different. He admitted that he is often quiet and that sometimes people don’t think of him as a leader. He pointed out, however, “One of the most important qualities of being a good leader, and a courageous one, is to listen…I truly feel that all good leaders are outstanding listeners…They try to absorb what people are saying, to understand their frustrations and feelings, so in the end they can take action and make a difference.” Daniel finished by saying, “I, Daniel Jung, will always have time to listen to my Cardigan family.”

Brian Xi ’21 finished the service, again remembering all the leaders who had come before him and who helped him learn what it means to lead through service and support his brothers. “As a leader,” he said, “I would act as a role model but also someone to approach when you need help. I also plan to proactively take feedback from students and report their major issues back to the Director of Student Life to improve the student community.”

This slate of candidates is impressive and their leadership skills are strong. No matter the results of the election, which will be announced on Wednesday during the School Investiture Ceremony, Cardigan is posed for success next year. We look forward to hearing more from all of these boys.

Learn more about student leadership at Cardigan Mountain School.