Webb launches inaugural Leadership & Honor Symposium

Throughout the day, students rotated through ten distinct stations, each emphasizing a different set of skills.

For example, the "Expedition Station," located in front of Jackson Library, required students to split into two groups to set up a tent within ten minutes. One-half of the group was blindfolded and allowed to handle the tent, while the sighted members were restricted to giving verbal instructions without physical involvement. Success depended on active listening, precise communication, and coordinated teamwork. Many teams appointed a leader to streamline the process and minimize unnecessary chatter, while blindfolded participants quickly learned to ask clarifying questions when directions were unclear. Not every group managed to complete the task within the allotted time, underscoring the importance of clear communication and effective leadership. “It’s very interesting to be disconnected from your sight, and it introduces a new aspect to be reliant on the people around you,” said Griffin Suttner ’25. The exercise concluded with teams gathering to reflect on their experiences together.

Another station presented a library cart filled with books, each marked with Dewey Decimal System (DDS) stickers. Students were informed they were now the head librarian and needed to determine an organizational system for the books, but no further instructions were provided. Most students were unfamiliar with the DDS, making the task both challenging and enlightening. To organize the books correctly, students had to engage in active problem-solving, ask questions aloud, and collaborate closely. This activity tested their critical thinking, creativity, pattern recognition, and time management skills.

By the end of Day 1, students had navigated all ten stations spread across campus, each offering unique opportunities to practice and refine their leadership abilities.

Day 2 shifted focus to the theme of honor, with the Honor Committee facilitating discussions on ethical scenarios. Students grappled with questions like: What would you do if your friend was bullying someone? Would you intervene? What would you say? What’s the right thing to do, and why? These conversations encouraged students to reflect on their values, consider multiple perspectives, and distinguish between situations that could be resolved independently versus those requiring adult intervention. Discussions also explored the complexities of gray areas and the importance of defining acceptable behavior.

In the afternoon, students tackled real-world community challenges related to mental health, sustainability, belonging, accessibility, and school spirit. They were tasked with developing creative, actionable solutions and presenting their ideas to peers and Webb faculty. Proposed solutions included an app for anonymous peer-to-peer mental health support, refurbishing the math classroom, initiatives to reduce food waste in the dining hall, and designated stress-free weeks to help students catch up on sleep.

The symposium concluded with a gathering on Centennial Field, where everyone formed a large circle and shared their key takeaways with a partner. This reflective moment brought the first Leadership & Honor Symposium to a meaningful close, leaving students inspired and equipped with new skills to lead with integrity and purpose.