![A Day of Leadership, Laughter, and Cougar Spirit - April 1, 2026]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1775175923/canterburyfortmyersorg/bidhltxajg7b0qas1srs/ADayofLeadershipLaughterandCougarSpirit-April12026.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1775175923/canterburyfortmyersorg/bidhltxajg7b0qas1srs/ADayofLeadershipLaughterandCougarSpirit-April12026.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1775175923/canterburyfortmyersorg/bidhltxajg7b0qas1srs/ADayofLeadershipLaughterandCougarSpirit-April12026.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1775175923/canterburyfortmyersorg/bidhltxajg7b0qas1srs/ADayofLeadershipLaughterandCougarSpirit-April12026.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1775175923/canterburyfortmyersorg/bidhltxajg7b0qas1srs/ADayofLeadershipLaughterandCougarSpirit-April12026.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1775175923/canterburyfortmyersorg/bidhltxajg7b0qas1srs/ADayofLeadershipLaughterandCougarSpirit-April12026.jpg","width":2200}])
Who says running a school is all business? On their special day as Canterbury’s Heads of School, Ray A. ’29, Mary Arthur A. ’31, and Cha Cha A. ’35 got a firsthand look at the many joys and responsibilities that come with leading a school community, and they embraced every moment of it.
Their morning began in Mr. Kirschner’s office, where they were greeted by school leaders, presented with their official badges and lanyards, and briefed on the day’s important duties.
Next came a favorite stop for any busy administrator: Smoothie King. After a golf cart ride with Mr. Kirschner, the students returned to campus refreshed and ready for action. They helped deliver Mr. Kirschner’s signature handwritten birthday cards, spreading smiles and celebrating members of the Canterbury community along the way.
The day continued with a visit to the library to select books for storytime in the Pre-K3 classroom. There, the student leaders shared stories with Canterbury’s youngest learners and enjoyed seeing the school day through a Lower School lens. From there, they made their way to the Cougar Cave, where they shopped for spirit wear and created personalized items to remember the day. For Cha Cha, this stop, along with delivering birthday cards, was a clear highlight.
The fun continued in PE, where the students joined Coach Lundy, Coach Rees, and first graders for a lively game of Pirates of the Caribbean in the O Gym. By lunchtime, it was time for an official leadership meeting in the LSJ Conference Room with Mr. Kirschner and school administrators. Over tacos and cupcakes, the group discussed the students’ official proclamations for each division. Ray declared lunch his favorite part of the day, which made perfect sense given the menu. Mary Arthur, meanwhile, summed it up best by naming the entire experience as her favorite part of the day.
The proclamations reflected plenty of school spirit and student fun. For the Lower School, the students declared Pajama Day on April 15 and salad bar privileges for third grade. Middle School students earned Comfy Day on April 15 and sundaes for lunch. In the Upper School, students can look forward to Jersey Day on April 15 and a BBQ lunch.
The day concluded with interviews and proclamations in Mr. Torres’ Cougar Vision classroom, where Ray, Mary Arthur, and Cha Cha officially shared their ideas and reflections with the community.
From birthday cards and book reading to Cougar Cave shopping, PE, lunch, and Cougar Vision, these three student leaders stepped fully into the role and made the most of every moment. Their day was filled with enthusiasm, warmth, and plenty of Cougar pride, offering a memorable glimpse into what it means to lead at Canterbury.