Leadership in Action: LS Coalition Creates Space for Every Voice

This week, we're hearing from Mr. Evan Hammontree, our Head of Lower School, who shares about our Lower School Leadership Coalition and how they're working with their peers to embody the All Saints' Way.

As the winter season invites reflection on connection and community, our Lower School Leadership Coalition is putting these values into powerful practice.

Now in its second year, the Coalition is comprised of nominated fourth-grade students dedicated to fostering an environment built on The All Saints' Way, with respect, responsibility, and understanding at the core. I find great joy and purpose in working directly with these students, hearing their perspectives, and learning what they care about.

This trimester, the Coalition began by defining leadership, focusing on key elements like purpose, planning, listening, and collaboration. We then brainstormed ways to improve the student experience, always keeping the All Saints’ Way in mind.

Their focus—on making sure every student belongs and has an opportunity to engage with peers during recess—blew me away! Our students are tremendous leaders when given the opportunity; they think about others and want what is best for their peers and our school as a whole. Their solution beautifully embodied this proactive, collaborative spirit.

The Leadership Coalition designed two distinct Lower School recess activities, ensuring every Tiger could join the fun in their own way:

• An Obstacle Course on Tiger Field: For students who love movement, competition, and physical challenges—a chance to test skills and cheer each other on.
• Little Tigers Trivia: For students who shine when engaging their minds, working collaboratively, or prefer a quieter way to connect with peers.

Through this project, our fourth-grade leaders recognized that inclusion isn't about making everyone participate in the same activity—it's about creating multiple pathways for belonging. By designing and offering both options, they ensured every student could find their place and their joy.

This is empathy and proactive problem-solving in action. They are discovering that leadership is fundamentally about taking care of those around you. The strongest communities make room for every kind of strength and every way of connecting.

We celebrate these young leaders who are already living out our cherished values: meeting people where they are, thinking inclusively, and building a community where differences aren't just tolerated—they are celebrated and honored.