Sequoyah School’s Morning Meeting Stewardship: Fostering Community, Connection, and Essential Life Skills
Courtesy of Sequoyah School
Morning Meeting at Sequoyah is a huge part of the daily life of the community, offering a good opportunity for student connection. Morning meetings are more than just a routine; they are a time for important announcements and student presentations. What sometimes goes unnoticed, however, is the Morning Meeting stewardship, which takes pride in its student-led morning meetings allowing members to focus on building new skills that will last a lifetime. The Barefoot Times is here to find out how they run so smoothly.
At the high school, Morning Meeting stewardship tends to be less recognized than others. However, that doesn't mean it’s not important. “I think that morning meeting is an excellent time to share important information,” observed Griffin McLemore ‘26. The stewardship itself has a unique structure designed to allow students to be involved in running morning meetings; its agenda is carefully thought out, from incorporating a blend of engaging elements such as fun announcements and student-led skits to shared reflections. The goal is to create a supportive and enjoyable environment that connects the entire school community. What often goes unnoticed is the planning and effort that goes on behind the scenes to ensure a daily gathering that is meaningful.
Morning Meeting is a student-led initiative focused on empowering students to make the world a better place for each student and the community. The three key tenets are the environment, sustainability, and social justice. Sequoyah is truly dedicated to helping mold students into respectful members of society. Stewardship selects students for their dedication and interpersonal skills, guiding their peers through various activities that foster personal expression. By creating this space, students can connect over shared experiences, laying the foundation for a closely-knit and supportive community.
Edie Coye ’27, a member of the Morning Meeting stewardship, shared her experience leading her first morning meeting. She expressed how observing others had boosted her confidence, emphasizing the importance of developing essential skills like public speaking. “It's a really good skill,” she said. “I'm grateful Sequoyah offers it because public speaking is something that’s really difficult for people.” Meanwhile, Nate Dumont '27, another member of the stewardship, highlighted the importance of icebreakers at the beginning of each meeting. “Every time, we start with an icebreaker,” he said. “It’s really nice; we get to know each other.” This simple practice is an example of the stewardship's commitment to building genuine connections among students and fostering an inclusive and welcoming space.
Sequoyah School’s Morning Meeting is more than a routine gathering. It is an ever-changing force driving the school’s commitment to community, connection, and the development of its students. By focusing on the connection the stewardship creates, we can appreciate the efforts that contribute to the positive and lasting impact of Morning Meetings at Sequoyah.