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Moravian Academy in Action
Moravian Academy Students Explore Sustainability and Systems Leadership Through Villars Fellowship
As members of Moravian Academy's first Villars Fellowship cohort, four students attended the Villars Institute Symposium in Switzerland, joining more than 150 students from around the world for a four-day experience focused on sustainability, systems thinking, and leadership.
As a Villars Institute Partner School, Moravian Academy was selected to participate in the Villars Fellowship, providing students with opportunities to engage in learning and mentorship centered on global sustainability and systems leadership. Kathryn Carolan ’28, Ayush Jain ’28, Lily Razavi ’27, and Maddie Yang ’27 participated in discussions, workshops, and collaborative activities with students, educators, and experts from across the globe.
Throughout the symposium, students examined systems leadership and the importance of collaboration when addressing complex challenges. During a session led by Brave Space, participants reflected on how trust, connection, and shared action can help create meaningful change.
A major theme of the symposium was shifting the conversation around sustainability from urgency to opportunity. Students considered the importance of recognizing nature not only for its resources, but also for the essential role healthy ecosystems play in supporting life.
Moravian Academy students actively contributed to the international conversation. Maddie shared the Moravian Academy's sustainability initiatives during the “Pathways for Impact: In Your Schools” session, Kathryn led a breakout group discussion, and Lily and Maddie participated in a full-group forum with approximately 400 attendees. The students also connected with peers from around the world and met climate activist Xiye Bastida.
For the students, the experience provided new perspectives on sustainability and leadership.
“Becoming a lifelong fellow with the Villars Institute has been nothing short of transformative,” said Maddie Yang ’27. “Surrounded by so many accomplished leaders, it was clear that all of them had one thing in common: an unwavering dedication to serve others and our planet.”
Ayush Jain ’28 shared that learning alongside students from different backgrounds was one of the most impactful parts of the experience. “The biggest thing I took away was that nature shouldn't be seen as a burden or constraint but as something that can genuinely enrich your life and wellbeing when you approach it with intention and give back to it in return.”
Kathryn Carolan ’28 reflected on how the symposium expanded her understanding of sustainability.
“Being part of the international Villars community showed me how deeply sustainability is woven into every aspect of our lives, and how much there is to learn from people working on it in such different ways.”
The experience continued beyond the symposium itself, as students and chaperone Mrs. Katherine Burd reflected on their learning and discussed ways to bring those ideas back to the Moravian Academy community. The students were accompanied throughout the experience by Mrs. Burd, whose guidance and support helped make the opportunity possible.
As members of Moravian Academy's inaugural Villars Fellowship cohort, Ayush, Maddie, Lily, and Kathryn return with new perspectives on sustainability, leadership, and collaboration that will continue to inform their engagement within the school community.
