Laurie's Leadership Society Requirements

Dear Rocco Laurie Families,

Laurie's Leadership Society is a prestigious fellowship unique to our school. It serves as a powerful force for good in the greater community of Staten Island, by encouraging and organizing student action to better the world. This society recognizes our students for their exemplary leadership qualities, profound dedication, and service to their community. All students in grades 6, 7, and 8 are eligible to apply. If you are planning on applying to Arista you must be accepted into Laurie's Leadership society .  It is a prerequisite.

To qualify for induction into Laurie’s Leadership Society, the application process must be completed and the following criteria met:

Students must submit evidence. For example, pictures or certificates, notes, letters from  supervisors, adults or teachers are to be attached to the application form. An act of service must be completed in each of the following categories:   

School Service (leadership in school clubs/events)

Community Service (outside school impact)

Personal Initiative/Character (independent projects, acts of kindness, mentoring)

Examples are listed below:

• Member of a school team, club, or Student Organization, Borough Student Advisory Council, My Sister’s Keeper, My Brother's Keeper, Compassionate Systems, Bulldog Buddies, etc.
• Peer mentor, reading buddy, helper for younger students
• Assist in organizing or leading a school-wide event (spirit day, cultural celebration, Respect for All, etc.)
• Participate in Good Morning Bulldogs (planning, filming, or presenting)
• Assist teachers with bulletin boards, classroom setup, or materials organization

• Volunteer at a library, food pantry, senior center, house of worship, or animal shelter
• Lead or participate in a donation drive (clothing, food, books, toys)
• Help with environmental service (park cleanup, recycling drive, etc.)
• Assist in coaching, refereeing, or supporting youth sports or afterschool programs
• Participate in cultural or community events as a volunteer
• Any uncompensated volunteer work in the community

• Create a community initiative
• Create an independent service project
• Design posters, videos, or digital content to promote kindness, anti-bullying, or inclusion
• Start or co-lead a student club with a teacher advisor
• Peer tutor/mentor
• Serve as a buddy or consistent support for a student in need or assisting and supervising family members with daily tasks
• Demonstrate everyday leadership through acts of kindness (standing up for peers, encouraging others, etc.).

Write letters or create projects to honor veterans, first responders, or nursing home residents, etc.

Applicants must embody our #BulldogSTRONG Community Commitments. Students with an N or U in Citizenship on their report card will not be eligible.

Applicants must submit a recommendation letter from an influential community member (from outside of school, not a staff member) who can provide specific examples of demonstrated leadership (e.g., assisting peers, being a positive role model, taking initiative, showing responsibility). This letter must be attached to the application.

Applicants will respond (1–2 paragraphs) to the following prompt via Google Form:

What does being an effective leader mean to you? How do you demonstrate our school’s Core Values—Respect, Loyalty, Service—as a leader? What difference do you hope to make as a leader in our community?

Students must complete the Google Form and attach all service evidence, complete questions and obtain a letter of recommendation by January 6, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications must be submitted using a @nycstudents.net account only. Submissions from other emails will not be accepted.

Students will be notified of their acceptance on January 28, 2026 via an acceptance letter in their period 1 class, which will include details about the induction ceremony.

If you or your child have any questions, please contact Ms. Iburg (MIburg@schools.nyc.gov) or Ms. Bermudez (ABermudez9@schools.nyc.gov).

We look forward to recognizing our #BulldogSTRONG leaders who embrace service, leadership, and excellence.

Laurie's Leadership Society Application

Sincerely,

Jessica Jackson

Principal