Students Take the Lead: Self-Gov, Disciplinary Committee, and Dorm Staff
Poet Kahlil Gibran wrote that “work is love made visible.” For many at Olney, this captures the philosophy of service by which students are invited... more »
Leaders and Leadings
Student Self-Government
At Olney, student have provided leadership key to the school’s success for more than 100 years. At the time of the 1910 fire that devasted the Main Building, they created Self-Government to manage their own affairs and aid in the smooth running of the school while adults’ time was occupied with rebuilding. Today, students make proposals on everything from technology to dress code to worship to the location of the student lounge. They serve on many different campus committees guiding nearly every aspect of school life.
A Multifaith Community
Olney is a multifaith community, with students of many different faiths or no faith. At any given time, typically around a quarter of students and half of the staff are Quaker.
During Quaker worship, students and adults gather in silent reflection. Sometimes, music, poetry, or artwork is encouraged. Students help to plan the worship time. There is a half-hour period of worship on Wednesday mornings and Sunday evenings.
Morning & Evening Collection
The school day begins and ends with a few moments of gathering in silence, known as Collection. Students come to value the time as a chance to “collect” themselves before leaping into the school day, or as a way to wind down in the evening.
Leaders and Leadings
At Olney, students are encouraged to settle into silence and listen for the still voice within. In the manner of Friends (Quakers), they are encouraged to test out “leadings” to action with their peers and adults.
In this way, all kinds of informal leadership emerges. Events and projects arise to meet student interest: from a Middle Eastern new year’s meal, to a Quaker film festival, to a student photography project portraying the wishes (dreams) of every student.
During worship times and throughout each day, students and adults cultivate an openness to being led by the Spirit. A rich tapestry of change, continuity, celebration, and community is the result.