Empowering the Next Generation of Civic Leaders | News | Friends Select School

The summit brought together local politicians, election officials, and voting rights advocates for a daylong program of voter education, voting and democracy workshops, and a community activist expo—all aimed at educating and empowering students to participate actively in the election process. “The summit was a powerful event that embodied Friends Select’s mission and strategic vision around social justice 
and civic engagement,” said Michael Gary, Friends Select’s head of school. “It elevated our commitment to ‘education in service to society’ while providing students opportunities to engage with the issues that matter most to them.”

Student government leaders spearheaded every aspect of the event, from attending weekly planning meetings and coordinating schedules to managing logistics and leading student volunteers. Faculty advisors Pamela McCabe, advancement events coordinator and admission associate, and Steve Greenbaum P’23, ’27, ’29, associate director of educational technology, supported students in the planning process and helped guide the summit. 
    
“I was motivated to get involved because I saw this summit as an opportunity to learn and also a way of contributing as I was ineligible to vote in this past election,” said student government co-president Kate Gunther ’25. “I view civic engagement as a step toward progress and a future in which young people like myself will have major roles. It requires using your voice or being an active listener, both of which are essential components of leaders and individuals of every age.”
    
The summit was emceed by CBS3 reporter Wakisha Bailey and kicked off with a presentation in the Blauvelt Theatre featuring a performance by the Girard College Choir, a team-building activity, and a keynote address by Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt. Students then participated in workshops led by a variety of community leaders, covering topics ranging from local elections to the history of Indigenous peoples and the role of protest. “The workshops were designed to give students a deep dive into the different facets of civic life,” Pam explained. “We wanted them to understand that there are many ways to get involved, whether through formal political processes or grassroots activism.” Attendees could also unwind with mental wellness activities, including yoga and meditation led by lower school art teacher Dan Deslaurier, and ping-pong games during the lunch break.
    
Complementing the workshops was the Community Activist Expo, where students could engage directly with a wide range of organizations, gaining insights into the important work being done in the Philadelphia area. Exhibitors such as Common Cause Pennsylvania, League of Women Voters Philadelphia, 
and Solar States—founded by FSS alumnus Micah Gold-Markel ’95—provided a platform for students to explore and interact with the diverse landscape of civic engagement. 
    
The event was broadcast live throughout the day on WURD Radio (96.1 FM/900 AM), as station host and FSS alumna Tiffany Bacon ’80 sat with summit educators and community partners. Guests included State Representative Nikil Saval (D-PA); board chair Ingrid Lakey ’89, P’27 and her father, activist George Lakey P’89, GP’27; and FSS faculty and staff. “Our partnership with WURD allowed us to share SCCE with an even wider audience and highlight the incredible work our students were doing,” said Steve. 
    
Kate reflected on how the summit broadened her perspective, showing her that civic engagement is accessible regardless of one’s interests, career path, or location. “It was empowering to see how many approaches there are to civic engagement and how many organizations are impacted by a government’s choices, whether through funding or promotional efforts,” she said.
    
While the inaugural summit was a resounding success, the planning team is already looking ahead to future events. “For now, the immediate plan is to continue to register our eligible students for the May 2025 primaries, and then for the November 2025 general elections,” added Steve. “And ultimately, find a way to convince almost 2 million Pennsylvania voters to make 
a difference in the next election.”