Upper School Student Leadership Opportunities

At Flint Hill School, leadership is not defined by titles — it is an active practice of curiosity, courage, and compassion. Whether through formal leadership roles, student-led initiatives, or community partnerships, students are encouraged to shape their environment, strengthen their teams, and make a difference.

The Upper School’s leadership program is co-led by Jeremiah Shepherd, Dean of Students, and Joelle Tam, Dean of Student Life and Community. Together, we partner to cultivate a culture of integrity, belonging, and student empowerment, ensuring that all Huskies — whether serving in formal leadership positions or leading through action and initiative — have opportunities to develop the skills and mindsets that define the Flint Hill experience.

A Culture of Leadership and Belonging

Leadership at Flint Hill grows from our belief that students learn best through connection, collaboration, and reflection. Every leadership opportunity — big or small — invites students to practice empathy, accountability, and adaptive problem-solving. Through this work, students develop the skills that prepare them to lead with purpose both within and beyond our community.

The Dean of Student Life and Community fosters student engagement, advisory programming, and service learning, helping students lead with purpose and inclusion.

The Dean of Students supports a positive, accountable culture grounded in fairness, restorative practice, and belonging, guiding student leaders to navigate challenges with integrity and care.

Together, our goal is to ensure that leadership at Flint Hill is relational, inclusive, and rooted in the values that define our school.

Formal and Grassroots Leadership Opportunities

Upper School students can apply to formal leadership groups beginning their second semester of freshman year. Using a shared application process, students articulate their vision and goals while engaging in a selection process led by faculty sponsors or peer elections, depending on the group. Leadership groups include:

• Academic Honor Council
• Ambassadors
• Athletic Advisory Council (AAC)
• Conduct Council
• Peer Advisors
• Student Council Association (SCA)

9th graders also participate in the Junior Ambassadors Program, a first-year opportunity to explore leadership, service, and school spirit.

These groups play an active role in school life, organizing community events such as Homecoming, supporting student wellness, guiding tours, adjudicating conduct matters, and representing the student voice in partnership with faculty and administration.

Leadership also flourishes in everyday spaces through the creation of student clubs, service initiatives, and peer-led projects. Students with ideas for new clubs, events, or community projects receive guidance and logistical support from the Dean of Student Life and Community, who helps connect them with faculty sponsors and campus resources. Each year, dozens of clubs and affinity groups take root at Flint Hill, reflecting the diverse interests and passions of our students — from robotics and debate to sustainability, performance arts, and cultural affinity groups.

Student Leadership Orientation

Each August, Flint Hill launches the school year with a dedicated day of student leadership training and connection. The 2025 Student Leadership Orientation brought together more than 150 student leaders across the Upper School for a morning of shared learning followed by organizational breakout sessions.

The focus of the day is to build a shared understanding of leadership and belonging, while helping students clarify their purpose, roles, and responsibilities for the year ahead. Drawing inspiration from the GCLI Leadership Lab held in Colorado Springs, the program emphasizes adaptive leadership, identity-centered practice, and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in student communities.

The Student Leadership Orientation marks the beginning of a yearlong process of growth. As student leaders step into their roles, they continue to explore leadership as a journey. At Flint Hill, leadership is not about position — it is about presence, purpose, and the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.