In the hum of the Mathews Dining Hall, a Grade 4 student carefully uses an apple slicer to cut an apple for a younger friend. A small gesture, but one that illustrates a big lesson—at Stone Ridge, leadership begins with service. From the earliest grades, students learn that leadership isn’t about titles or recognition; it’s about noticing needs, helping others, and contributing to the community.

These lessons are reinforced and formally acknowledged through one of Stone Ridge’s most enduring Sacred Heart traditions—Prîmes (pronounced Preemes). Rooted in the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, Prîmes recognizes students in Grades 1–4 for living out values such as compassion, responsibility, and leadership. Originally, students received a small blue card with the words “Très Bien.” Today, in place of the cards, students receive special medals alongside their Prîmes certificates, which they wear with pride until the next ceremony.  

“Prîmes highlights the Five Goals for the children,” shares Assistant to the Head of Lower School Terri Smith. “It is a way for them to feel empowered and confident about the fact that they have done one of the Goals—and have done it well—which has impacted their whole school community.”

The Prîmes ceremonies bring the Lower School community together and serve as a vivid reminder that leadership is not an individual pursuit, but one rooted in service to others. These moments help students understand that even small, everyday actions reflect Sacred Heart values— and matter deeply.

“Even small gestures ripple outward. Leadership at Stone Ridge starts with noticing the needs around you and doing what you can to make a difference.”

- Ms. Lindsey Holton, Grade 4 Teacher

That understanding also comes to life each day through Pink Ribbon jobs, another longstanding Lower School tradition that gives Grade 4 students hands-on responsibilities that help the school run smoothly. From assisting younger students at lunch to collecting library books, reading a prayer, helping with mail, or organizing classroom materials, these roles allow students to practice leadership in tangible ways.

“These jobs build confidence and independence,” says Grade 4 teacher Lindsey Holton. “Students see the impact of their work and realize they can contribute meaningfully.”

Abigail Winek, who also teaches Grade 4, emphasizes that these roles teach children to think beyond themselves. “They’re learning to center their approach on the other,” she explains. “They see the people in front of them as those they can serve and care for, and they learn that even small acts—like helping a kindergartner open a snack or arranging classroom materials—make a real difference in the community.”
 

Students rotate through these roles throughout the year, so every Grade 4 student has the chance to lead in multiple ways. Students receive their latest job assignment at each Prîmes ceremony, standing before the Lower School community to receive their pink ribbon—now represented by a special pin. Over the years, these jobs have evolved in response to the needs of the community. Mrs. Smith highlights the importance of these seemingly small tasks: “When students take on jobs like setting up lunch or tidying the classroom, they see the purpose behind their actions. They understand that their work matters, and it’s critical for the community to thrive. They’re building responsibility, independence, and care for others.”

Lower School teacher Kathryn Gillick ’89, who has experienced Stone Ridge as a student, teacher, administrator, and parent, describes Prîmes and Pink Ribbon jobs as formative traditions. “The spiritual and emotional development that is supported through these Sacred Heart traditions provides an incredible foundation,” she shares. “When you have that confidence in yourself, the belief that you are a part of something bigger, and you have a specific job to carry out, you feel the call to be a leader. You feel a call to be responsible for looking out for others.”

Head of Lower School Sandy Gillespie echoes this sentiment, “Students are learning about leadership, service, and community all at once,” she says. “It’s not about recognition—it’s about realizing, ’I can do something for someone else, and it matters.’ That mindset carries them far beyond the classroom.”

Even our youngest Gators begin learning these foundational lessons in Pre-K. Through classroom routines and everyday interactions, students practice helping friends, making wise choices, and recognizing when someone needs support. As they grow, these early experiences expand through Prîmes, Pink Ribbon jobs, community service projects, and project-based learning, creating a continuum of leadership development across the Lower School.

The all-girls environment at Stone Ridge further amplifies these opportunities. Students feel safe to speak up, ask questions, and take risks, building the confidence to step into leadership roles. “Here, they’re in a space where their voices are valued and heard,” explains Mrs. Winek. “They can explore their strengths, make mistakes, and grow without fear.”

By the time students reach Grade 4, they eagerly step into leadership roles, continuing to practice noticing needs, helping others, and contributing to a community larger than themselves. “Some of the kids really rise to the challenge—especially when working with younger students,” observes Ms. Holton. “Sometimes it’s the students who you least expect who really enjoy their job and rock it.”

“When you have that confidence in yourself, the belief that you are a part of something bigger, and you have a specific job to carry out, you feel the call to be a leader. You feel a call to be responsible for looking out for others.”

- Mrs. Kathryn Gillick ’89,  Pre-K Teacher

“We don’t know what jobs are going to look like in the future,” reflects Mrs. Winek. “Being polite, kind, and willing to do something, even if it’s not your favorite, that’s going to serve you well.”

Whether it’s cutting apples into slices, tidying a classroom, or reading the Gospel at Prîmes, these daily acts of service teach students that leadership is not about being in the spotlight. It’s about stepping up, showing care, and making a meaningful impact. Ms. Holton adds, “Even small gestures ripple outward. Leadership at Stone Ridge starts with noticing the needs around you and doing what you can to make a difference.”

“Our Lower School kids are the ones who really carry the heart and soul of Sacred Heart as they move through the school,” shares Mrs. Gillick. Grounded in the Sacred Heart Goals, this philosophy—leadership as service, confidence through action, and care for community—shapes Stone Ridge students from their earliest days, preparing them to step into the wider world as capable, compassionate, and confident leaders, committed to serving others. ❤