By Miles Perez’25
Many programs and opportunities can open doors for students at the Frederick Gunn School. Along with the school’s educational philosophy are its leadership and active citizenship programs that help students develop into leaders and citizens with a strong idea of what good they want to accomplish after high school and college. Through extracurricular activities and real-world experiences, the Frederick Gunn School fosters an environment where leadership skills are put to good use.
Required classes such as the Citizen Gunn and public speaking classes are examples of ways students can get familiar with the idea of what it means to be an active role model citizen. Public speaking also allows students to use their language and ideas to convey a message to a large audience which is a key skill to have as a Leader in any community.
Although it may be a foreign skill for many students at first, students feel much more comfortable and confident after giving a speech to the whole school about core values and events that have shaped them into who they are today. Class of 2025 student Will Bartoli states “The Public speaking class helped bring me out of my comfort zone.” Guest speakers are always encouraged on campus. Whether it’s speakers who are leaders in various fields, such as politics, business, and the nonprofit sector, the students at the Frederick Gunn School have access to many different paths. This allows them to explore and deep-dive into where they want to take their active citizenship and public speaking skills.
The Frederick Gunn School not only prepares students to lead in the classroom but also on the playing field. Leadership in athletics also emphasizes a strong work ethic along with resilience. When students graduate, they leave feeling well-prepared for success in college and beyond.
