The Middle School Speaker Series allows students to interact with local leaders and reflect on the concepts of honor, community, responsibility, diversity, care for oneself, care for others, care for a great cause, service, and achievement. These values encourage Spartans in all divisions to develop a strong sense of self and a broadened worldview. 

On November 16, Matt Boschen, senior pastor at Effort Baptist Church in Palmyra, Va., and the brother of Luke Boschen ’13, took the stage in the Lora M. Robins Theatre to talk about the importance of responsibility and how hard work can lead to success. 

Middle School Academic Dean and Dean of Students Ann Robbins, who helped organize the series, said, “Mr. Boschen spoke about how the work we put in gives us rewards, although we may not experience instant gratification. He referenced Adam Grant, a psychologist and author, noting that it can take a thousand hours of work to master one’s craft … so it’s important to start early.” 

The students appreciated Mr. Boschen’s engaging talk and especially enjoyed participating in the TikTok water cup challenge, in which each person adds water to a cup, with the goal of preventing the water from overflowing. The six students who volunteered to participate in the challenge, plus their captivated peers, realized that even one drop of water can make a big difference. 

“I think they were all shocked at how many times water could be added to the cup before it spilled over,” said Mrs. Robbins. “Mr. Boschen used the challenge as a metaphor to explain the number of attempts you might have to make before you see the results of your efforts. It was a fun way of illustrating how discipline will eventually lead to satisfaction about a job well done.” 

Although the water eventually overflowed, “the path leading to that point was an exercise in self-discipline and patience,” added Mrs. Robbins. 

Ariella White ’30, one of six students onstage, said, “I learned that the only way to get better at something is to keep trying and not quit! I also learned that each time it was my turn to pour the water into the cup, I got a little better at it.” 

The Middle School Speaker Series, which kicked off in October, will continue throughout the academic year. Steward Middle Schoolers who attended the Prejudice Awareness Summit in October at VCU are the next featured speakers. 

“We look forward to bringing in more speakers of various backgrounds,” said Mrs. Robbins. “Please contact me if you have recommendations!”