Fireside Chat with Admirals at St. Andrew’s and St. Anne’s
St. Andrew’s College and St. Anne’s School were honoured to host a fireside chat featuring three distinguished retired Admirals from the United States Navy and Armed Forces: Admiral Michael Gilday, Admiral Eric Olson, and Admiral William Owens. Moderated by Ethan Fleming, SAC’s Head Prefect, and Kate Kubica-LaCroix, SAS First Cygnet, the session explored leadership, character, and the values that shape extraordinary individuals.
The assembly opened with a performance by the Pipes & Drums, setting a reverent tone as the Admirals were introduced to the audience of Upper School students. Drawing on their experiences in military leadership, the Admirals shared insights that transcended their storied careers, focusing on timeless lessons that resonate with young leaders.
The conversation emphasized the importance of integrity, resilience, and trust as the cornerstones of leadership. “Character is revealed under stress,” the Admirals agreed, underscoring that it’s easy to appear strong when times are good, but true character shines in challenging moments. They also highlighted the necessity of learning through failure, with Admiral Olson reminding students, “If you don’t take risks, you won’t win. Own your failures, learn from them, and grow.”
Ethan and Kate expertly guided the discussion, asking thoughtful questions submitted by their peers on topics ranging from overcoming nervousness to navigating tough decisions. The Admirals encouraged students to embrace discomfort as a path to self-discovery and to focus on listening – an essential yet often overlooked leadership skill.
The Admirals’ messages aligned seamlessly with the ethos of St. Anne’s and St. Andrew’s, where programming is intentionally designed to help students discover their potential by stepping outside their comfort zones. Through innovative initiatives such as outdoor education, project-based learning, and robust leadership development programs, both schools provide students with opportunities to tackle real-world challenges and hone their teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Through advisory, community gatherings, and other signature programs, the schools emphasize goal-setting, character development, and fostering a sense of community, ensuring students are guided by strong mentors and values-based frameworks.
Additionally, both schools’ emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion creates an environment where every student feels valued and supported. By celebrating individuality while encouraging collaboration, students learn to recognize their own strengths and those of their peers, preparing them to lead with empathy and confidence.
The Admirals also addressed global issues, including the evolving role of women in the military and the impact of artificial intelligence on decision-making. Admiral Gilday called on students to recognize and value the strengths of every team member, while Admiral Owens urged them to reflect on their privileges and strive to make a meaningful difference in the world.
As a parting challenge, Admiral Owens invited students to discuss at home: “Who are the five men or women living today that you admire, and why?”
The day also included the Admirals touring both campuses, engaging with staff, and meeting smaller groups of student leaders. Their visit left a profound impression on the St. Andrew’s and St. Anne’s communities, affirming the schools’ shared commitment to creating leaders of character who are equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world.
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