Kids Being Role Models to Kids

Four years ago, a senior leader interrupted Hannah Stafford’s freshmen English class with some life-changing news. The senior was Gray Section Leader Jaden Oates ’22. The news: he was going to the University of Pennsylvania on a full ride through QuestBridge National College Match, one of the most competitive scholarship programs in the country. 

Fast forward to December 2024, when we learned that six Gray Bees were named QuestBridge finalists, the most ever to represent St. Benedict’s Prep in a single year. It should surprise no one that several of this year’s QuestBridge Scholars were sitting in Ms. Stafford’s classroom back in 2021, and that Jaden’s accomplishment made a lasting impression. If one of us can make it big, the possibility exists for all of us. 

That’s the Gray Bee effect in action, the example of possibility happening all around us at The Hive. When UD2s apply for their first leadership position, they often choose Freshman Counselor. Why? Because they’ve witnessed the example of the Freshman Counselor in their Group who advises and counsels first years from the Overnight through The Trail. If he or she can make a difference, maybe I can, too. 

The positive peer influences our kids see and emulate extends to all kinds of situations and circumstances. It defines our conduct and sets the standard that drives our programs, teams and community forward. It’s what motivates Gray Bees to take worthwhile risks or come back from failure. 

Perhaps most consequential, kids being role models to kids prompts a young person to seek help for the very first time. It happens like clockwork at the end of Spring Phase, when Stage Rage students perform their stories and share their sufferings for an audience of middle schoolers. Directly after the performance, students who are in the audience for Stage Rage make their initial appointment at the Grossman Family Counseling Center. If they can be vulnerable and brave, maybe so can I. 

You — our teammates reading this magazine — are examples of possibility, too. The call went out to “Be There” for The Hive’s 10th Giving Day on March 21 and more than 500 members of our community responded. Thank you! If you missed the call, there is still time to impact the kids we accompany this year at sbp.org/give. 

Please pray for us and be assured of our prayers for you. 

 

Courage! 

Fr. Edwin Leahy, O.S.B. ’63
Headmaster