Hermon High School kicked off its Honors Diploma Leadership Seminar Series with Seminar #1, titled "Leading Beyond the Classroom."
Designed for students enrolled in the prestigious Hermon High School Scholar/Honors Diploma Program, the interactive session pushed student leaders beyond standard coursework to tackle real-world ethical dilemmas. Rather than looking for single "correct" answers, participants navigated complex gray areas requiring balanced judgment, accountability, and empathy.
The seminar introduced students to foundational ethical models to guide decision-making under pressure:
● Utilitarianism (Consequentialism): Evaluating choices by weighing outcomes to maximize net good for the largest number of stakeholders.
● Deontology (Rules-Based Ethics): Focusing on duty, rules, and intrinsic rights regardless of potential outcomes.
● Virtue and Care Ethics: Prioritizing personal character, empathy, and long-term trust in leadership roles.
Students put these frameworks to the test through four real-world case studies covering academic integrity, whistleblowing in high-stakes athletics, local civic activism, and balancing peer confidentiality with safety.
"If your decision and reasoning were published on the front page of the newspaper tomorrow, would you be proud of your choice?" — The "Front Page" Test, highlighted during seminar discussions to challenge students' ethical reasoning.
Participation in six specialized seminars is a core requirement for students pursuing the Hermon Honors Diploma, alongside advanced AP and college coursework, high academic standing, and dedicated community service. By practicing ethical leadership early, students strengthen the problem-solving and critical-thinking skills vital for college pathways and future careers.
Seated around the table, left to right: Killian Anderson, Mack Bateman, Michael Fowler, and Cody Oliveira
Seated around the table, left to right: Cassidy Condon, Hazel Leclerc, Grayson Heal-Hedger, Leia Guerrette and Mary Kelly