Fifth graders at Episcopal School of Jacksonville's Beaches Campus served as student ambassadors at a September admission open house. The students interviewed teachers beforehand and guided prospective families through the Jacksonville Beach school.
Students interviewed faculty to prepare
To prepare, the fifth graders sat down with faculty and staff across campus to learn about programs and daily life at the school, which serves pre-K 3 through fifth grade, according to a school account published Tuesday. They then greeted visiting families during the open house, talking about academics, athletics, arts and spiritual life.
Jennifer Ketchum, head of lower school at the Beaches Campus, said the ambassador role gave students a chance to practice leadership through service.
"They are learning that leadership is not just about having a title; it is about serving others, sharing your experience, and helping someone else feel welcomed and connected," Ketchum said in the school's announcement.
Parent ambassadors led campus tours
Parent volunteers played a role, too. The school's parent ambassadors led campus tours and answered questions about day-to-day life at ESJ.
Each open house begins with registration and a parent presentation in the sanctuary at St. Paul's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, followed by campus tours. Sessions run from 9 to 11 a.m., according to the school's visit page.
ESJ described the fifth graders as its "newest student ambassadors." The school did not say whether the program is new this year or a recurring tradition.
The Beaches Campus' next admission open house is scheduled for Nov. 19 for families considering pre-K 3 through fifth grade.
Upcoming at the Beaches
- Monday, Oct. 5 — Deadline to register to vote in Duval County for the Nov. 3 general election.
- Wednesday, Oct. 7 — Perry Bechtle performs at the SeaWalk Sessions series at Jacksonville Beach's SeaWalk Pavilion.
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