On Monday, February 23, the school library was transformed into a space of warmth and reflection as our Learning and Leading Ladies gathered for a special session. "Cocoa & Conversations" brought our young women together for an afternoon of mentorship, reflection, and hot chocolate.
Guided Wisdom with Ms. Wanakee Trask
Dr. Hoskin and Ms. Smith were honored to host Ms. Wanakee Trask, Founder and CEO of Elevate Greatness. As the leader of a nonprofit dedicated to educating, empowering, and encouraging youth, Ms. Trask facilitated a powerful and interactive dialogue with our students.
Rather than delivering a traditional lecture, she invited the ladies to join her in a circle, shifting the focus to a guided conversation that put the students’ voices at the very center of the experience.
A Circle of Community
The setting was intentionally intimate; rather than sitting in rows, Ms. Wanakee Trask invited the students to join her in a large circle. This simple shift in the library's atmosphere broke down barriers, ensuring that everyone could see and hear their peers clearly. The goal was to address the social-emotional needs of our young women by fostering a sense of belonging and mutual respect in a safe, communal setting.
The discussion focused on two vital pillars:
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Social Awareness: Recognizing the strength found in community and the importance of understanding peer perspectives.
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Leading with Grace: Learning how to navigate social friction with kindness and resolving conflict through the lens of empathy.
Stacking Confidence: The "I Choose" Challenge
Adding a layer of fun and reflection to the afternoon, students engaged in a dynamic game of Jenga. However, this wasn't just a test of physical balance; each move was guided by "I Choose" affirmation cards. As the towers grew taller, so did the students' confidence as they paired the focus of the game with spoken intentions of self-worth, leadership, and personal growth. This activity served as a perfect metaphor for the session: building a solid foundation, one intentional choice at a time. The event was a poignant reminder that when we equip our young women with the tools to lead with kindness and empathy, our school community thrives.
