By: Rachael Weening ‘98 is a teacher at TDChristian.
This year, TDChristian launched a new program called Servant Student Leaders (SSL). By combining intentional discipleship, hands-on leadership experiences, and personalized mentorship, the goal is to raise up servant-hearted leaders equipped to influence their communities for Christ, at TDChristian and wherever else the Lord leads them. The core values are clear: putting faith into action, focusing on service, embracing authenticity, choosing integrity, and developing a growth mindset.
The branch of the program dedicated to cultivating Trip Leaders is open exclusively to Grade 12 students. Each applicant submitted a written application and was interviewed by Colin Hoving (VP of Student Services) and me. This year, more than 30 Grade 12 students stepped forward to be part of this leadership stream, a remarkable response that reflects both courage and commitment.
Colin and I oversee key moments in the life of our school community, including Grade 9 Orientation Week, Grade 10 course selection, and the Beacon trip. Senior student involvement has always been important to us, and now we have a team of students who have intentionally chosen to serve in these formative spaces.
Student Servant Leaders lead worship at Beacon retreat.
So far this year, our Grade 12 Trip Leaders have led devotions, worship, games, and small group conversations, while also simply spending meaningful time with younger students. During Grade 9 Orientation, they participated in on-campus sessions and led off-site rotations at Scott Mission, offering a beautiful introduction to the heart of the TDChristian community.
The Grade 10 Beacon trip was especially powerful. Not only did senior students lead worship, but they also facilitated large group sessions, volunteering to prepare and deliver their own messages. Colin and I simply ensured the themes were distinct; the initiative and preparation were entirely theirs.
Grade 12 Trip Leader Jonas Alkema reflected, “I think for me, a big part of what made the trip great was watching the Grade 10s get close as a group, but also doing that with my friends at the same time. Helping other people get close is just cool. …It’s really neat how, just by leaving the building, you can hang out with your classmates and peers in a more vulnerable way, which teaches you so much more in a much shorter time.”
In February, 20 Trip Leaders volunteered to help facilitate Grade 10 roundtable discussions for course selection and Beacon follow-up. This definitely makes the experience richer and more impactful for participants.
These students are leading boldly and growing deeply. Every interaction between our Grade 12 leaders and younger students is a win, strengthening connection, deepening faith, and building a stronger TDChristian community.