At Marian High School’s annual Leadership Day, student leaders came together for a day of training designed to equip them with the skills needed to become confident, impactful leaders within their school and community. This year’s theme, centered around the quote from Pope John Paul II—"We are all one family in the world. Building a community that empowers everyone to attain their full potential through each of us respecting each other’s dignity, rights, and responsibilities makes the world a better place to live"—deeply resonated with the students. It prompted them to reflect on their role in creating an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Guest speaker Maura Mustion ’20 reinforced this message, highlighting the importance of leading with empathy and character to strengthen and connect the community.

Maura Mustion shared her distinctive leadership journey, recounting her experiences both at Marian and beyond. As an active athlete, Maura captained both the lacrosse and golf teams, where she developed key skills in teamwork, perseverance, and peer bonding. Her high school years were marked by a range of roles, from Class Vice President to Model United Nations Club member, all while fostering a strong sense of community and school spirit. Despite the disruptions of COVID-19 during her senior year, Maura continued to uplift her teammates and classmates, demonstrating her commitment to leadership through challenging times.

When Maura began her studies at Michigan State University in the fall of 2020, the pandemic offered fewer opportunities for involvement, leading her to reevaluate her understanding of leadership. She discovered that true leadership is not about holding numerous positions or collecting accolades, but about embodying character, kindness, and empathy. Her college experiences, including a leadership role in her sorority and a transformative study abroad program in Italy, taught her the value of prioritizing well-being and pursuing genuine passions. Now a recent graduate and legal clerk, Maura is eager to embark on the next chapter of her life, confident that authentic leadership is about living genuinely and setting a positive example for others.

In closing her speech, Maura reminded students that leadership is defined by the lasting impact they have on others and the strength of their character. She emphasized that Marian High School plays a crucial role in fostering this mindset by actively encouraging and supporting its future leaders. Through initiatives like Leadership Day, Marian empowers students to step confidently into their roles, cultivating a sense of community and belonging that will help them become compassionate and capable leaders both within the school and beyond.