For the upperclassmen at St. John’s Prep, the Constitutional Law course is far more than an analysis of legal duties or a deep dive into the Bill of Rights. It is a vibrant exploration of the American legal system that frequently spills out of the classroom and into the heart of the community.
This March, that real-world intention led a group of aspiring scholars to Lexington, MA, for the Empowering Citizens Conference, an event hosted by Middlesex District Attorney Marian T. Ryan specifically curated to inspire the next generation of civic-minded leaders.
The conference served as a masterclass in engagement, offering a variety of sessions with politicians, lawyers, judges, and journalists. By exploring topics such as “Habits of Good Citizens,” “Putting Country First,” and “The Rule of Law,” the students began to see the human side of the legal machine. These experiential opportunities are where the curriculum truly transforms from theory into practice.
“Students in Constitutional Law at St. John's Prep are learning about the intersection of servant leadership, justice, and the law,” says Constitutional Law teacher and Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning Kerry Gallagher, J.D.
“District Attorney Marian Ryan's event provided an opportunity for SJP's constitutional scholars the opportunity to see how their classroom studies apply to the work of public servants in the state legislature, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, state attorney general's office, and bipartisan nonprofit organizations," Gallagher explains. "They were eager to raise their hands, ask about how they can contribute now and in the future, and engage in the dialogue with leaders who hold the positions they will hold in the future.”
This dialogue with current leaders forced the students to grapple with the reality that a "good" society is never a finished product, but a constant work in progress. Senior Jacob Cranson found himself reflecting on the moral labor required to sustain a democracy. “‘We are a great country, but we fight every day to be a good one.’ This quote from Senator John Cronin really put into perspective that, despite the amazing parts of our country that we benefit from every day, we must work tirelessly to fight for what we believe and what is right in order to be servant leaders."
This sense of urgency and responsibility was echoed by junior Cam Iorio, who found that the conference reframed his perspective on what it means to hold a position of influence. “This conference made me realize that my role as a future leader in public service starts with listening to my community and taking action to solve real problems,” he says. “Leadership is not just about making decisions, but about serving others with fairness and integrity.”
Perhaps the most practical takeaway for the students, however, wasn't a legal precedent or a political strategy, but a fundamental human habit. In an era of constant noise, the students were reminded of the power of silence and genuine connection. “One habit that I realized is essential to being a good member of the community from Justice Serge Georges Jr. is stopping to talk and listen to people and what they have to say,” shares senior Kam Mauser. “By listening, he does not mean just wait your turn to talk. He means you should really try to understand what the other person is saying and why they have their particular point of view, even if it does not align with your own.”
As these students return to the halls of St. John's Prep, they carry with them more than just notes from a conference, but a blueprint for a life of service and a more nuanced understanding of the laws they will one day uphold.