Stories
Student Leadership in Action
November 13, 2025
Community, connection, and contribution are guiding themes at Aspen Country Day School this year, and students are finding meaningful ways to put those values into practice. Whether leading cheers on Blue Green Day, supporting younger students through the Buddy Grades program, or modeling responsibility on outdoor education trips, they are discovering that leadership is rooted in initiative and positive impact.
As the eldest students on campus, Middle Schoolers have a natural role in shaping the culture of daily life at ACDS. This fall, the Student Leadership Council is expanding those opportunities, giving them new ways to build confidence, strengthen their voices, and serve their school community with purpose.
“Student members are learning and practicing the attributes of leadership to build a stronger, more connected community.”
– Morgan Atkins, ACDS Middle School Counselor & Dean of Student Life
Representing ACDS with Pride and Purpose
The Student Leadership Council offers students the chance to represent Aspen Country Day School while connecting with peers, families, and visitors. In their role, Council members host shadow students, greet prospective families, and assist at parent and school events. Monthly meetings help them develop key interpersonal skills such as public speaking, relationship building, and effective communication. Along the way, they learn that leadership grows from kindness, initiative, and a willingness to represent their school with pride.
Empowering Student Voices
Council members also help guide the student experience. They collaborate with administrators and faculty, contribute ideas that support school spirit and community engagement, and play a role in shaping events and initiatives across campus. Their feedback helps influence decisions that affect student life, from the calendar to community projects to Middle School policies — which was very appealing to many students. “I joined because it’s a good way to share my ideas to make school even better,” said Seventh Grader Mae B.
Both the Student Leadership Council and other student leadership opportunities include a simple, reflective application process that encourages students to consider what leadership means in their own lives. Leadership at ACDS is not reserved for a select few. It is a quality every student can practice, refine, and bring into their classrooms, friendships, outdoor adventures, and community experiences.
“Our Student Leadership Council is where the student voice becomes leadership in action,” said Morgan Atkins, ACDS Middle School Counselor and Dean of Student Life. “Whether setting calendar dates for school dances, sharing perspectives in the admissions and hiring process, or helping implement new Middle School policies, members are learning and practicing the attributes of leadership to build a stronger, more connected community.”