Upper School Student Leadership (Torch) Retreat

Student leadership and advocacy is a cornerstone of the SSFS educational experience. Students have various leadership opportunities throughout their time at SSFS, including through student government and leadership committees in each division: "Spark" in the Lower School, "Flame" in the Middle School, and "Torch" in the Upper School.  

The Upper School student leadership group ("Torch") met for a full-day retreat at SSFS on Aug. 31, 2026 before classes began to talk about the mission of the group and plan for the upcoming school year The retreat was led by Torch Faculty Rep, Candice Ashton; Clerk of Torch, Benji Cherukuri; and Co-Clerk Jituu Negash, with support from members of the Upper School Administrative Team. See below for a description of some of the day's activities, provided by Benji and Jituu. 

The day began with a presentation from Assistant Head of Upper School Jim Gagne regarding leadership styles and authenticity. Acting Head of School and Upper School head Meredith Shankle then welcomed students and shared expectations for the upcoming school year. Students were then introduced to Quaker testimonies and participated in activities about Quaker principles, followed by a presentation from Upper School Learning Specialist Shannon Needham on clerking and servant leadership.

Students also participated in a deep listening activity, where students partnered up and alternated talking for eight minutes straight before sharing back what they heard from their partner. This was followed by a 10-minute meeting clerked by Benji and Jituu regarding where Torch should meet during the school year. After lunch, students discussed Torch's role in the community, including the OODA Loop: a framework for responding to situations by observing, orienting, deciding, and acting. Students then participated in a community-building activity on the importance of SPICES, followed by every student individually setting their SMART goals for the year. The day ended with a closing reflection about something they knew, something they learned, and something they would actually use.

Interested in attending a meeting? Torch meets every Thursday at lunch from 12:40-1:15 PM  outside on the Quad. (Inclement weather location is PAC - Studio B.)