Military Leaders Speak to Juniors
Christ School fathers contribute to Leadership Challenge event
Leadership comes in all shapes and sizes. And it is not always comfortable, glamorous, or profitable.
Three authorities on the topic of leadership spoke Wednesday night to Christ School's junior class as part of the ongoing Leadership Challenge.
Retired Colonel Tom Bell P'19 and P'21 (Air Force) and David Roberts P'17, who is Division Director of Mathematics and Science at the U.S. Naval Academy, have had sons who are or were Greenies. Retired Major General Rick Devereaux (Air Force) joined them for an hour-long talk in St. Joseph's Chapel.
"In the Air Force, we have core values: Integrity first, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do, regardless of the task," Bell said. "Follow those things and you will be successful in whatever you do. If there is a theme to this, it is the value of being part of something bigger than yourself. Do something tangible. Make an impact."
The Leadership Challenge is a program at Christ School that seeks to build on what the boys have already learned from athletics, clubs, community service, and their daily experience as students. "Preparing to lead" is the mission statement for the Class of 2019 as this is the final year to prepare for roles as senior leaders.
Juniors have been reading the book "Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life and Maybe the World" by William H. McRaven. He is a retired U.S. Navy Admiral.
Roberts spoke about his own experiences in that branch of the military on Wednesday.
"The academy molded me into someone who I had never been before. I was someone who could take orders for the betterment of the team," Roberts said. "You give up things so that your team can be better. One of the most basic functions of leadership is having people do something they might not necessarily want to do."
In his present role as an advisor, Devereaux helps Congressman Mark Meadows nominate young people for service academies. Meadows gave a talk to Christ School students Monday in Stolz Dining Hall's Bradshaw Room.
"High school is the perfect place to fail," Devereaux told the Greenies. "For the most part, any mistakes you make are not going to cost you a thing. It's a great labrotory to put yourself out there. When you are young, it's a great time to experiment."
