Last week, the school welcomed around 1,300 students from around the state of Maine to a day exploring leadership development. These students were aged 12-19 and hailed from public and private schools. The theme of the day was "The Courage to Dream."
The excitement in the gym was palpable as we kicked off the morning with a talk by Hyde veteran Malcolm Gauld. He shared the lessons he learned in high school by setting a lofty goal for himself as a lacrosse player and by navigating the successes and challenges that came with those high expectations. Students then formed mixed groups and attended three workshops before lunch. Workshop topics included:
- Teamwork is the Greatest Skill You Will Learn in School
- What am I as a Leader?
- The Power of Habits
- Facing Climate Anxiety; The Science of Hope
- The Moral Compass
- Everyday Leadership
- Lead from the Mirror
- AI - Shaping Tomorrow, Today
- Goals - Why?
- Dream Your Story
- Wrestling Through Life
After lunch, a panel of students from several schools shared their thoughts with the assembly on the following questions:
- Is there a time in your life when you followed your dreams? What happened?
- Who in your life has inspired you with the courage to be a leader?
Comments shared by the student panel included:
"My grandfather was someone who modeled the courage to go after his dreams."
"My Mom was a single Mom who worked three jobs to provide for us, and she has always inspired me with her leadership."
"I inspired myself when I went after a dream to be in the medical field and took on additional work to get the experience I needed."
What a great day for the school and for all the students of Maine who came together. We all walked away feeling that this was the best Leadership Day ever! Thanks to Stefan Jensen, Kyle Rougeau, Mike True, and all the faculty, staff, and students of Hyde!
Laura D. Gauld '76