Student leaders seized the opportunity to grow, learn, and bring new ideas back to Landon. Two seniors and two juniors returned from the National Association of Independent Schools Student Civic Leadership Summit with a renewed sense of purpose and a toolkit of strategies to enhance our community’s well-being.
The event, held in partnership with Close Up DC, brought together delegates from across the country to discuss pressing issues affecting today's youth, such as the connection between diet and self-image.
“We were able to build to our 'civil engagement' toolbelt,” said Gunnar Small ’25.
Gunnar joined Alan Everett ’26, Thavi Ponnamperuma ’25, and Seba Rutledge ’26 to meet with D.C. politicians, mental health advocates, and peers from diverse backgrounds.
“My favorite activity while attending the summit was group time. Each day our workshop group would gather and talk about our topic, which was mental health,” said Alan. “I got to meet a lot of new people from across the East Coast and talk about what we wanted to improve at our schools. In all, every activity that we did was impactful, but it was the people that made it fun.”
During the three-day summit, students deepened their understanding of pressing national issues, explored the ways in which these issues impact local communities, deliberated on the barriers and structures that can make change difficult, and worked in groups to create vision statements that incorporate tangible action steps.
“The discussions at the summit emphasized how accessible change is. Whether as an individual student or a school community, we have the power to voice our concerns and advocate for our future,” added Gunnar. “All of us have obtained a greater understanding of how political advocacy works and what we can do to rally support and orchestrate change.”
The boys agree, being a leader at Landon comes with a lot of responsibilities but it's a challenge they enthusiastically accept.
“It feels great to be a student leader at Landon," Alan said. "I'm glad Landon gives students an opportunity to attend events like this so we can talk to other people who have similar mindsets. During the summit I thought about what I can do not only to make myself better but others as well and that is what I'm going to bring back to Landon.”
