For the first time in our school’s 75-year history, a group of Spartans in grades six through eight will now be a part of planning chapel services

Ten young Spartans have been selected as the inaugural members of the Middle School Chapel Leadership Team — a program that, until now, has only existed in the Upper School.

The Rev. Ed Thompson, St. Stephen’s Middle School chaplain, officially installed the group during chapel on Nov. 6, 2025. During the installation ceremony, he remarked:

“You have been called by God to the ministry of the Middle School Chapel Leadership Team here at St. Stephen’s to share with the community through our chapel services. As members of this team, you have been invited to help plan worship services and help lead chapel programming. It is your responsibility to be faithful stewards of the purposes of the chapel program — to gather for spiritual growth, to worship in the Episcopal tradition, to celebrate our God-given diversity, to share biblical and personal stories and to raise issues that help us practice compassion and respect.”

Thompson first invited students in grades six through eight to apply for the new leadership opportunity in September. Several students submitted applications, but most shared similar Christian backgrounds. Wanting the team to reflect the full diversity of the St. Stephen’s community, Thompson extended the invitation again to encourage participation from students of all faith traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and non-adherents or no faith. The result is a group that more fully represents the wide range of beliefs and perspectives found on campus.

“I think it’s cool to hear about everyone’s experiences and religious backgrounds, and not just my own,” said new team member Addie Gunnin ’30.

As a diocesan school of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, St. Stephen’s holds daily chapel services in the Episcopal tradition. However, the school also emphasizes the value and dignity of its students’ diverse religious practices and spiritual needs.

The new Chapel Leadership Team held its first meeting in mid-October. During that gathering, one student proposed that the school observe Invisible Disability Day — an opportunity to raise awareness about hidden disabilities such as chronic pain, mental health conditions and learning differences. The team quickly embraced the idea, planning to create posters and lead a chapel talk to help educate their peers.

“It’s impressive to me that they came up with such an idea and are willing to put themselves out there,” said Thompson.

In the months ahead, Thompson hopes the team will continue to grow in confidence and faith. Students will learn how to plan services, improve their public speaking and take initiative. Each member will be assigned specific responsibilities such as lighting candles, appointing scripture readers and finding friends to tackle certain chapel responsibilities — providing a more structured framework than in the past.

When team member Nicholas Gilbreath ’30 stepped up to the microphone to speak during a recent chapel, he realized that it’s not as intimidating as he thought it would be.

“I’m a pretty social guy, but I have a little bit of stage fright when it comes to public speaking,” said Nicholas Gilbreath ’30.

Middle School students have occasionally helped with chapel duties before, but Thompson said this new program will ensure consistency and empower students to take ownership of the experience.

“When they see their friends put themselves out there, they say, ‘I can do it, too,’” he said.

With the launch of the Middle School Chapel Leadership Team, St. Stephen’s is nurturing a new generation of leaders — students who are learning to serve their community, celebrate diversity and share their faith with courage and compassion.

Learn more about chapel and Episcopal Identity at St. Stephen’s.