Homily by Grade 5 Leaders Explores Heroes and Inspires Lower School Students

Nine students donned superhero outfits and spoke to the rest of the Lower School in a moving and inspiring presentation on heroes.
Each week, students in Lower School grade 5 leadership groups meet to go over their work and look ahead to upcoming activities and initiatives. In one of those meetings recently, student leaders in Rachel Stephens’ class wanted the January homily they were leading to be inspired by the work of Martin Luther King Jr.
 
An idea was born—what if the homily was an opportunity to recognize other heroes in the world, some of whom may not be as well known as Dr. King?
 
The nine student leaders, led by Lower School Director of Community Life Tupper Spring, went to work. Each student researched their hero, wrote a script and selected graphics for a presentation during Lower School Chapel.
 
That homily took place this week, as the nine students donned superhero outfits and spoke to the rest of the Lower School in a moving and inspiring presentation.
 
“Martin Luther King, Jr., was an American civil rights leader who fought for freedom and justice for all in our community and especially to right the wrongs faced by people of color. We are still working to fulfill his dream” said grade 5 student Jasmine Z., in introducing the homily. “Today we would like to share with you what we have learned about other heroes who seek justice and, as a result, improve our communities. We hope you find inspiration in these heroes.”
 
The heroes the grade 5 students spoke about included Georgie Badiel, Melati and Isabel Wijsen, Benjamin O. Davis, Mari Copeny, Terry Fox, Rachel Carson, Temple Grandin, Muhammad Ali and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
 
The work of these heroes brought clean water to communities, raised millions for cancer research, broke color and cultural barriers in many long-standing institutions, and so much more. For many Lower School students, it was the first time they had heard of several of the heroes presented, providing an important learning opportunity led by grade 5 student leaders.
 
“There are so many heroes to know and admire,” student Railey K. said in conclusion. “We hope today you have learned about a few new activists and hopefully you are inspired to celebrate and emulate what they have done to make the world a better place.”
 
Student-led homilies happen monthly in the Lower School, a way for grade 5 students to take a leadership role in the Lower School.
 
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