On January 30, the freshman class stepped away from their regular schedules to participate in Delbarton’s Freshman Class Social Justice Workshop, an essential component of our mission to form young men of character, conscience, and compassion. Each year, Delbarton ninth graders attend two morning workshops dedicated to exploring an important social justice theme, guided not by faculty, but by the mentorship of upperclassmen.

The Freshman Social Justice Workshop offers ninth graders the opportunity to devote focused time and dialogue to topics that extend beyond what the standard curriculum covers. A distinctive hallmark of this program is its peer-led design: older students take ninth graders under their wings, using their personal experiences and growing perspectives to help younger Green Wave brothers understand complex societal issues. Those few years of life experience make a meaningful difference, as freshmen often respond openly and respectfully to the insights of trusted older peers.

The morning began in the Fine Arts Center, where upperclassmen welcomed the Class of 2029 and outlined the structure of the workshop. From there, students rotated through a series of sessions held in the FAC Auditorium, Media Room, Hayes Room, Spada Commons, and Band Room. At each stop, teams of juniors and seniors presented material, posed questions, and facilitated discussions.

Topics explored throughout the morning included political polarization, political violence, the media’s influence on public discourse, and the abandonment of traditional democratic norms. Upperclassmen shared research, personal observations, and real-world examples—all while encouraging freshmen to voice their own perspectives and engage in respectful dialogue.

By the end of the workshop, students left not only with a deeper understanding of the complexities shaping civic life today but with a strengthened sense of brotherhood and leadership within the Delbarton community. Moments like these remind us that learning extends far beyond the classroom—and that our students, young and old, grow together.