This post is part of a series on 21st-century skills and how Wilmington Montessori School students are prepared in these areas, starting from an early age. View the introductory post.

Perseverance, self-direction, planning, self-discipline, adaptability, and initiative

Leadership, teamwork, collaboration, cooperation

This week, the 21st-century skills of self-direction, planning, leadership and teamwork were in the forefront of my mind as I attended the Eagle Scout ceremony for Wilmington Montessori School alumnus Nathaniel Ruhl. This young man has accomplished what few others do in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. What makes it even more remarkable is that he is 15 years old; most young men who have this as a goal hope to accomplish it in their 18^th year. Nathaniel worked hard to make this happen well before then.

As you may know, Nathaniel and his team worked to repair the Meerkat Theatre, the stage and seating in our woods, and to mark the trail leading to the stage. He proposed this project to us last winter and spent a great deal of time working behind the scenes to prepare for the workdays that ensued. Nathaniel moved from a “follower to a leader,” which is a stated goal of obtaining the rank of Eagle. He learned how to manage a team, collaborate with his mentors and leaders and make this project happen. Continue reading →