Student Leadership
A culture that meets students where they are.
The opportunities for leadership at Overlake are as varied as our students themselves. Whether through elected roles, creative projects, mentorship, experiential education, or community-building, students are encouraged to lead in ways that reflect their passions and strengthen our school community.
Leadership at Overlake is not limited to a few—it is an expectation, an invitation, and an essential part of growing into one’s full potential.
Take the lead. Shape the community.
Whatever your interest, Overlake has a place for you to lead. Students help welcome new Owls into our community as Admissions Ambassadors, create and manage clubs, mentor younger athletes and peers, and take on meaningful roles across campus life. Leadership at Overlake grows from student interests—rooted in compassion, curiosity, and community—and is available in both Middle School and Upper School.
Below is an overview of the ways students lead at Overlake, reflecting the breadth of opportunities across athletics, arts, admissions, clubs, affinity spaces, experiential learning, and elected leadership.
Students play a direct role in shaping school culture and community life.
- Associated Student Body (ASB) – Elected MS and US leaders who plan events, communicate student interests, and help build joyful community traditions.
- Student Review Board (SRB) – Upper School students partner with faculty to uphold community values through restorative decision-making, advocacy, and thoughtful dialogue.
- Advisory-based leadership roles in both divisions encourage students to support peers and model healthy communication.
Overlake hosts more than 50 active clubs, many of which change each year as students design new opportunities based on their passions.
Leadership includes:
- Club Presidents and Officers who coordinate events, organize meetings, and build inclusive communities.
- Founders of new clubs—a hallmark of Overlake’s student-driven culture.
- Cross-divisional Leadership Pilot Programs where Upper School students lead Middle School clubs, including recent offerings in AI & Machine Learning and Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing.
Leadership in athletics extends far beyond competition.
- Team Captains model dedication, sportsmanship, and mentorship.
- Upper School athletes mentor Middle School athletes, sharing skills and building confidence.
- Academic competitive teams, such as robotics, Knowledge Bowl, and debate, offer parallel leadership opportunities in coaching peers, strategy development, and team management.
Students shape creative vision and production in the arts.
- Student directors, choreographers, and stage managers in theater and dance.
- Ensemble leaders and peer mentors in choir, band, and orchestra.
- Visual arts leaders who curate exhibitions, guide peers in studios, and collaborate on public art and design work.
Affinity and alliance groups create spaces of belonging and shared identity across the student body.
Student leaders:
- Facilitate meetings and guide discussions.
- Partner with faculty to plan cultural events and community learning.
- Support peers by modeling inclusive leadership and fostering representation.
Student leaders help shape first impressions of Overlake.
- Student Ambassadors welcome prospective families, offer campus tours, and serve as storytellers of the Overlake experience.
- Orientation leaders and peer mentors help new students build confidence and connection from day one.
Overlake’s signature experiential programs develop leadership skills beyond the classroom.
- Project Week Leaders guide peers in immersive, hands-on learning experiences.
- Retreat planners and activity leaders help design meaningful grade-level experiences.
- Field study and service-learning leaders take on roles in planning, problem-solving, and supporting group success in off-campus environments.
Middle School students begin developing their leadership identity through accessible, supported roles:
- MS ASB
- Club founders and student organizers
- Athletic team captains and peer mentors
- Arts production roles
- Service and community event leadership
These opportunities build confidence and prepare students for the expanding leadership ecosystem of the Upper School.
A distinctive hallmark of Overlake’s leadership culture is that many alumni return as classroom teachers, advisors, and coaches—including current faculty such as Jo Guiler ('03) and Katie Hill ('14). Their journeys demonstrate how early leadership experiences at Overlake inspire a lifetime of service, influence, and engagement.
I would say clubs are one of the most special aspects of Overlake for me. This year, I've had the chance to co-lead two clubs, and it's given me a chance to bond with students across other grades. And so many invaluable skills have come from being involved in clubs.
