The new leaders followed up on their installation by attending a two-day leadership retreat at the Virginia Diocesan Center at Roslyn, which is located in Richmond. The leaders--who were elected by their peers and faculty--created a list of priorities for the upcoming school year, which included increasing school spirit and the number of student-run town meetings.

After the retreat, 2005-2006 School President Kris Price commented, “I felt like I developed strong bonds with all the new leaders and that we all worked well together in developing goals that can and will be accomplished.”

Three faculty members also accompanied the twenty girls to Richmond: Head of School Margaret Broad, Director of Residence Natasha Kollaros, and Dean of Faculty George McDowell.

Mr. McDowell commented on the retreat, “At the beginning I was unsure of how well the group would work together, but I walked away on Sunday very pleased with our results. The purpose of the retreat was for the leaders to feel empowered by realizing they could make a difference, getting to know their strengths and weaknesses, and setting goals.”

Peer leader Allison Ryan of Tappahannock said, “I think we have a good group of girls who show a lot of spirit and love for the school and I feel they will make next year better for everyone.”

Next year these girls will return to school one week before the rest of the student body to further plan and organize for the upcoming school year.

Peer leaders who attended the retreat were School President Kris Price, Vice President Taylor McEwen, Honor Council Head Sade Bowen, Senior Class President Katy Saunders of Tappahannock, Chief Sacristan Sarah Reilly of Bruington, Head Boarding Prefect Abbey Potter, and at-large peer leaders Kara Casey, Chelle Chiles of Reedville, Ashley Leake, Alexandra Newman of Lancaster, Allison Ryan of Tappahannock, Brooke Shafer and Eileen Tsai.

All of these girls will mentor younger students, participate in the leadership class and serve as the strongest student voice in the school.

Also attending were the following prefects, who will help manage the dorm and act as a liaison between the dorm staff and students: Allyson Childress of King George, Alle Davis, Melissa Farara, Su Jin Jeon, Jennie Lynne Leonard, Drenika Mosby, Lori Mullins, and Hope Scott of West Point.

Other recently elected or selected SMS student leaders include: Prefects Aubrey Sozer and Taylor Miller (both currently are representing the school on an exchange in Australia), Junior Class President Bukola Omotade and Sophomore Class President Blair Passagaluppi of Tappahannock.