Developing strong leaders at CMS and PWHS

Students from Colonial Middle School and Plymouth Whitemarsh High School recently joined peers from the tristate area for the 2026 Student Leadership Institutes sponsored by the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education.

The event featured workshops that targeted topics to help build effective leaders: mental and emotional wellbeing, belonging, decision making, creating a positive mindset, confidence, communication, and community. The high school students also took part in an idea fair where they brainstormed a challenge, addressed possible solutions, and pictured what the results might be. 

While reflecting on a session where participants created poetry to reflect their upbringing and community, CMS sixth grader Fiona Noonan told the group, "I learned that everyone is valued in who they are, no matter where they come from." Eighth grader Mars Massey shared her poem during the Poetry Slam and took fourth place. 

The attendees were selected through their volunteer leadership roles in student government and a variety of affinity organizations including the Anti-Defamation League Peer Trainers, Black Cultural Awareness Club, Muslim Student Association, Asian Student Association, the Gay Straight Alliance, and No Place For Hate.

While the event was designed to build the students’ leadership skills, PWHS sponsor Jason Williams, CMS sponsor Carolann Crum, Superintendent Dr. Michael Christian, and Equity and Advancement Officer Dr. Melissa Figueroa-Douglas also enjoyed the program. “The conference was fabulous,” said Mrs. Crum. “I left feeling so proud of our students and the way they represented the Colonial School District.”