In a celebration of leadership and the Tartan spirit, grade 5 student leaders launched their first service project of the year recently: assembling “Welcome to Lower School” goody bags for the newest members of the Lower School division: kindergarten students.

Each bag included stickers, a small toy, a new pencil, and a personalized card—thoughtfully selected and prepared by the grade 5 leadership team. More than a collection of small gifts, the bags were a meaningful way for our oldest Lower School students to help their youngest peers feel welcomed. The bags will be presented to kindergarten classes this week, marking the beginning of a year-long leadership journey for grade 5 students.

At St. Margaret’s, leadership development is woven into the fabric of school life. Students are encouraged to lead and serve in countless ways—in the classroom, on the athletic field, on stage, through service projects, and by helping foster a culture of connection and belonging throughout the school community.

This first project gives grade 5 students an opportunity to put leadership into action by practicing empathy, responsibility, and thoughtfulness while serving as role models for younger students. For kindergarten students, having older students as enthusiastic supporters can make all the difference as they begin their own Lower School journey.

The Lower School fosters leadership development by offering a variety of opportunities that require students to apply and participate. There are six committees which meet weekly with a total of 61 grade 5 students participating in leadership. Through projects like the “Welcome to Lower School” goody bag, grade 5 students develop essential leadership skills, including communication, teamwork and problem-solving.