In its inaugural year, the Gifted and Talented Program at Pride Academy Charter School—known as PAWS (Pioneers Achieving Wisdom and Success)—has already become a powerful space for student voice and leadership. From drone challenges to 3D printing prototypes, students have taken on projects that stretch their creativity and critical thinking. One of the most impactful initiatives this year was a student-led project to research and propose potential field trips that aligned with academic goals and fit within a 60-minute travel radius.
Students in PAWS took the lead from start to finish. Working in groups, they researched destinations like Rutgers University, the Thomas Edison National Historic Site, the Camden Aquarium, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They examined the academic value, itinerary options, and cost, even making calls to locations to ask detailed logistical and educational questions. Each group created professional slide decks, dressed in business attire, and presented their proposals to the School Board. Their confidence, preparation, and thoughtful analysis left a lasting impression. Ultimately, the Met was chosen, and the students who researched it helped coordinate the visit and guide their peers through the experience.
What made this project even more powerful was its emphasis on collaboration between different student leadership groups. Members of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) joined the trip, further emphasizing the role of student leaders in shaping school culture. By guiding real-world projects, making decisions, and representing themselves and their peers with maturity, the students in PAWS and NJHS modeled what authentic leadership looks like. Their work this year proved that when given trust and responsibility, students rise to the occasion and inspire others to do the same.
