COMMUNITY is our Secret Weapon at The Hive

CONVOCATION

A strong, resilient community is built on the commitment of individuals to one another, and as Dr. Vivek Murthy emphasizes, making “social connection a priority” is essential. At St. Benedict’s Prep, this commitment is embodied in our daily morning convocation, the most important thing we do each day to build community. Run by student leaders, convocation gathers students, faculty, staff and even alumni to sing, pray, and be fully present for one another. Attendance is mandatory, and absences are announced to the entire group, emphasizing accountability and the shared responsibility of showing up for the community. This daily ritual is a powerful affirmation of our core beliefs: “Whatever hurts my brother hurts me,” “Whatever hurts my sister hurts me,” “Give up what you want for what we need,”. It is a beacon of positivity and togetherness, reminding everyone that we are part of something greater than ourselves.

GROSSMAN FAMILY COUNSELING CENTER

A key element in building community per Dr. Vivek Murthy, is relationships. St. Benedict’s understands that students are unable to progress or excel in school if they are struggling mentally or emotionally. Building healthy relationships across students, their families, staff and faculty is the Grossman Counseling Center’s primary goal. “Healthy relationships, where we feel seen and where we can be ourselves, can be a powerful source of joy and support and can be buffers to stress. They can improve our performance at work and school and help us make sense of the world as we process our lives with one another” explains Murthy. At our counseling center, Dr. Lamourt champions our ability to identify students in need, often through peer referrals, a testament to the strength of the relationships within our close-knit community. This network of trust is essential in providing the necessary support for our students.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

When adults step back, students step up. “The work of building community requires leaders in government, business, and civil society to step up as all” asserts Dr. Murthy. We deeply value student leadership and recognize its power to impact future generations. Students run attendance and Morning Convocation. They are responsible for the daily schedule, deal with issues of discipline, oversee the five-day Freshman Overnight to ensure first years cross the finish line together, serve as commanders on The Trail and much, much more. Student-leaders earn the responsibility of the positions they are entrusted with through the structure of Groups developed by generations of Gray Bees.

THE TRAIL

At St. Benedict’s Prep, every student must complete a 55-mile backpacking journey along the Appalachian Trail to graduate—a powerful testament to the importance of teamwork and community. This five-day trek teaches students that success comes from supporting one another through challenges, embodying the words of departing U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy: “Community gives us strength and resilience when facing the big challenges and the countless paper cuts that come with navigating the world.” The Trail experience is a profound example of how St. Benedict’s fosters trust, growth, and reliance on one another, empowering students and faculty alike to thrive through the strength of their community.

BUILDING BRIDGES

The importance of community extends far beyond the walls of St. Benedict's. We believe community is not limited to our students, staff, and alumni, but also our surrounding neighborhoods and partners around the world. This belief is driven by love, to open our hearts to all - even those who may be different than us. It is crucial to “recognize something deeper and more fundamental that connects us” Dr. Murthy states. Through our Building Bridges program, students are connected with law enforcement officers and work to break down barriers to show that we are all on the same journey. As one student put it, “Now I see these people not as enemies, but as allies.” This reflects our belief that a strong, united community is one that embraces and loves everyone.