Student Leadership

At Cardinal Gibbons, we believe leadership is rooted in faith, service, and community. Our leadership programs provide students with meaningful opportunities to grow in character, build relationships, and serve others while actively shaping the life of our school.

Applications for leadership programs open in April.

What It Means to Lead at Gibbons

A Cardinal Gibbons leader is shaped by faith, guided by integrity, and committed to serving others with purpose and compassion.

At Gibbons, leadership is about more than what we do—it’s about who we are becoming. We’re always growing, not just in our skills, but in our character. We try to lead with humility, knowing that real leadership starts with listening, learning, and supporting those around us.

Rooted in Faith

We try to live our faith each day, leading with purpose, humility, and a desire to serve others.

Committed

We show up, take responsibility, and follow through on what we say we’ll do.

Respectful

We treat others with kindness, value different perspectives, and lift each other up.

Engaged

We get involved, support our community, and help make Gibbons a place where everyone belongs.

Leadership Programs

Admissions Ambassadors

Sharing the Gibbons Experience

Admissions Ambassadors represent Cardinal Gibbons to prospective students and families during tours, Open House, shadow days, and other recruitment events. As the face of the school, they speak authentically about student life, academics, and community — helping visitors envision themselves as part of the Gibbons family.

Ways to serve

Time commitment

Expectations

Application process

Advancement Ambassadors

Supporting Our Mission Through Gratitude

Ambassadors support the school's fundraising efforts by building relationships with donors and community partners. They assist with stewardship events, giving campaigns, and outreach initiatives that communicate the value and impact of a Gibbons education — strengthening the culture of generosity that sustains our mission.

Ways to serve

Time commitment

Expectations

Represent Cardinal Gibbons with professionalism and appreciation
Engage respectfully with donors, guests, and community partners
Support advancement events and outreach efforts with reliability and care
Assist with event hospitality and donor engagement opportunities
Communicate clearly and follow through on responsibilities
Promote a culture of generosity and gratitude within the community

Application process

Alumni Ambassadors

Building Lifelong Connections

Alumni Ambassadors build meaningful connections between current students and the broader Gibbons alumni community. They plan and host events that welcome alums back to campus and nurture an ongoing relationship between alumni and the school that extends well beyond graduation.

Ways to serve

Time commitment

Expectations

Welcome and engage alumni with warmth and respect.
Serve at required alumni events and complete outreach activities each semester.
Assist with event hospitality and support as needed.
Communicate clearly and follow through on responsibilities
Represent Cardinal Gibbons with professionalism and gratitude.
Foster meaningful connections between alumni and the school.

Application process

Gibbons Leadership Institute (GLI)

Forming Purpose-Driven Leaders

GLI is a leadership formation program designed to develop 11th-grade students as confident, faith-rooted leaders of character. Through mentorship and meaningful opportunities, students grow in integrity and accountability — building the skills needed to positively influence their communities.

Ways to serve

Time commitment

Expectations

Demonstrate consistent character, reliability, and a genuine commitment to personal growth.
Prioritize all meetings and events, and actively participate in formation sessions.
Carry out leadership responsibilities with excellence and serve as positive representatives of the program within the school community.
Because GLI students lead visibly, they are held to a high standard of integrity, accountability, and respect both in and out of the classroom.

Application process

Educator nomination
Student application (Invited students will receive an email with the link to apply).

Eligibility: Rising 11th graders

Students are selected for GLI based on demonstrated character, responsibility, and leadership potential.

The selection process considers educator recommendations, school involvement, academic standing, disciplinary history, and a written application that reflects a student’s desire to grow as a leader.

Applicants should be meaningfully involved in at least one campus organization or activity, while also demonstrating the balance and time management necessary to fully commit to the program.

While prior leadership experience is valued, equal weight is given to a student’s initiative, coachability, and commitment to contributing positively to the culture of the school.

Student-Athlete Leadership Team (SALT)

Driven by integrity & sportsmanship

SALT is a mission-driven group of student-athletes dedicated to fostering leadership, unity, and accountability within Cardinal Gibbons Athletics. Members collaborate with coaches, administrators, and peers to strengthen communication and enhance the student-athlete experience.

Ways to serve

Time commitment

Expectations

Grounded in our Catholic identity, SALT members model integrity, sportsmanship, and respect both on and off the field.

Student-athletes accepted into the program are expected to:

Be active, engaged participants in all scheduled meetings, events, and initiatives.
Maintain consistent attendance at twice-monthly morning meetings and key commitments.
Represent Cardinal Gibbons with integrity in alignment with the Athletic mission.
Demonstrate strong character, sportsmanship, and respect in the classroom, athletics, social media, and community
Serve as leaders and role models by mentoring peers and supporting team culture.
Help foster a positive and inclusive environment for all student-athletes.
Contribute to program initiatives, including events, pep rallies, and communications efforts.
Support faith formation through retreats and spiritual leadership opportunities.
Communicate responsibly and follow through on responsibilities with accountability and reliability.

Application process

Nomination: Varsity student-athletes must be nominated by their head coach or a member of the athletic administration
Application: Nominated students will complete a brief application outlining: interest in the program, leadership experience, and alignment with the program’s mission.
Interview (if applicable): Selected applicants may be invited to participate in a short interview or follow-up conversation

Eligibility: Rising 11 & 12th grade student-athletes

Applicants are evaluated based on the following:

Demonstrated character, integrity, and sportsmanship aligned with the Cardinal Gibbons Athletic mission
Leadership potential and a genuine desire to serve others
Commitment and reliability in athletics, academics, and the school community
Positive influence on team culture
Openness to growth in both leadership and faith

Student Council

A Community of Leadership and Service

Student Council is the primary student governance body at Cardinal Gibbons, bringing together student representatives and educators in service of the school community. Members advocate for their peers, plan student activities, and help ensure that school life reflects the values of our mission.

Ways to serve

Plan and lead school-wide events and activities.
Support and strengthen school traditions.
Represent your class and communicate student perspectives.
Collaborate with faculty and administration to enhance student life.
Assist with assemblies, special events, and community initiatives.
Promote school spirit and foster unity across campus.

Program structure

Class Officers represent each grade level
Executive Officers (senior leaders) guide the organization

Time commitment

Expectations

Prioritize attendance at weekly meetings and scheduled events.
Take initiative and contribute actively to planning and execution.
Work collaboratively with peers, faculty, and staff.
Represent your class and the student body with integrity and accountability.
Communicate clearly and follow through on all commitments.
Lead visibly and contribute to a positive and engaged school culture.