In 2010, Mount Vernon Presbyterian School transitioned to a unique form of student leadership known as The Prefect System.
Common among elite schools in the U.K. as well as many college preparatory schools throughout the Northeastern U.S., the Prefect System allows for student leaders to serve their school by contributing in every phase of the school community — student life, admissions, communications, publicity, service, spiritual life, campus tours, “green” life, and the overall quality of the school experience.
The Mount Vernon Prefect System is comprised of outstanding juniors and/or seniors who are nominated by the senior class and selected by a faculty review board. Chosen for their high character, exceptional integrity, leadership within and outside of the classroom, and commitment to the mission and core values of Mount Vernon, the Prefects have a passion to see Mount Vernon live out the fullness of its potential.
Seven positions comprise the Mount Vernon Prefect System, including Head Prefect, Ambassador Prefect, Outreach Prefect, Student Life Prefect, Spiritual Life Prefect, Environmental Prefect, and Unity Prefect. Each Prefect has a mentor faculty or staff member to assist them in building their committee, shaping their vision for the year, and providing an invaluable resource to see it to completion. These mentors and committee members meet regularly and consistently with The Prefect to facilitate their growth and development as a leader and to help assess areas for growth.
The 2011-2012 Mount Vernon Prefects
Head Prefect: ALEX BUTLER
The Head Prefect must be a senior and is responsible for the overall management of the entire system. He or she will willingly perform the duties and responsibilities of all those who report to him, as well as various duties and responsibilities unique to this position. The Head Prefect is responsible for managing and shaping student perceptions about the rules and regulations that apply to daily life and educating students about the importance of following the Student Handbook in their daily decision making processes.
Ambassador Prefect: MILES MALLORY
The Ambassador Prefect is responsible for assisting in the Admissions Office and working with the Admissions Director. The primary responsibility is to tour prospective students and families around the School. In addition, the Ambassador Prefect is responsible for directing a student welcome program for all new students and to help them adjust to life at Mount Vernon. He or she will also help with Open House events for all building levels.
Outreach Prefect: HANNAH KATE FERGUSON
The Outreach Prefect is responsible for developing and maintaining a willingness to serve and cultivating a servant’s heart in each faculty member and student. The Outreach Prefect’s primary responsibilities will include promoting community service and announcing service opportunities. In addition, he or she is responsible for assisting the planning and implementation of Mount Vernon’s outreach programs for the academic year.
Student Life Prefect: ALEX CHAMBERS
The Student Life Prefect is responsible for morale, school spirit, enthusiasm, and shaping student perception about what it means to be a student at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School. The primary duties of the Student Life Prefect include coordinating pep rallies, Homecoming, dances, Prom, and other events that affect morale and student attitudes towards their school.
Spiritual Life Prefect: DAVID EUN
The Spiritual Life Prefect is responsible for the perpetuation of spiritual awareness and Christian fellowship within the School community. The position is responsible for assisting in planning the weekly Chapel services. The Spiritual Life Prefect will also be called on to open a variety of programs with prayer and to serve as a spiritual leader in our broader community. He or she is encouraged to coordinate and to facilitate student Bible studies or prayer groups within the Upper School.
Environmental Prefect: ROBERT BARCLIFT
The Environmental Prefect is responsible for perpetuating a community wide environmental awareness and for planning and implementing programs that are in line with Mount Vernon’s L.E.E.D. certification. He or she is also responsible for fostering a sense of each individual’s role in continued and sustainable involvement in preserving our resources for this generation and generations to come.
Unity Prefect: RYAN MOORE
The Unity Prefect is mostly focused on providing a connection between both campuses and between divisions. The Unity Prefect’s primary responsibility will be creating and facilitating unifying projects among all students at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School. Prefect involvement may range from initiating and maintaining a peer-tutoring program to generating cross-community events that bridge the gap between the grades and campuses.
