Introducing the Middle School Blazer Leadership Team

At The Bush School, students are inspired to bring positive change in school and the world around them. Through several student leadership opportunities on campus, they become empathetic and confident leaders who make a difference in the community and blaze new, better trails at Bush. 

In September, twenty-seven courageous Middle School students applied to serve as grade representatives, and nine were selected based on their unique responses to the application and approaches to leadership. The new members of the Middle School Blazer Leadership Team, Hattie W. '30, Ashton P. '31, Kaden M. '32, Raena B. '30, Kyle A. '31, Zara M. '32, Matteo R.-T. '30, Ina R. '31, and Ruhi M. '32, all work alongside Middle School Dean of Students Michelle Amilicia to enact change and coordinate events within the division.

“The BLT is a really good idea because in the Lower School, we didn’t have this type of leadership opportunity,” shared Ruhi. “I wanted the chance to listen to students in my grade and hear what they want so I can help make the community a better place.”

For many of the representatives, the BLT is their first time in an influential position; however, they’re excited to develop their skills and exercise courage by participating in community council meetings and bringing student issues to the forefront.

“In order to know what needs to change, we ask our peers what issues they have, and tell them to fill out surveys,” said Zara. “At our last town hall meeting, if students had an idea, they were encouraged to come up and share, which was really helpful.” 

Other students on the BLT hope to improve their public speaking and leadership skills through this impactful role, while many look forward to working behind the scenes at division social events, such as the Middle School Spring Dance. 

“I’m excited for this leadership opportunity because I’ve never had one in the past,” said Matteo. “I feel like being part of this will take me out of my comfort zone.” 

With the support of the Middle School Deans and other faculty members, the BLT introduces changes that their peers wish to see, such as implementing break times during eighty-minute class sessions or offering more diverse food options at The Commons. These issues are discussed at the Blazer Leadership Council meetings, which meet once a week.

“Because we have good teachers at Bush who care about student voices, I decided I wanted to represent my grade and those who have ideas, but may not be confident enough to share them,” said Raena.

The members of the BLT serve as a listening ear for other Middle School students who express a desire to blaze new trails on campus. Voicing their concerns challenges students to ask bold questions and generate new ideas through different perspectives and experiences.

“I’ve really enjoyed being part of this team; it’s such a good group of people who all have great goals,” said Hattie. “I’ve personally been at Bush for nine years, and love this method of giving back to changes that I wish to see as a student.”