Student Ambassadors
To be a Student Ambassador at Ridgeview Classical Schools is to be a representative, a teacher, a mentor, and a leader. The Student Ambassador Program began in 2014, and at the time their role was limited to hosting shadows. Over time, Ridgeview evolved. A rigorous, classical, liberal arts curriculum remained the centerpiece, but the importance of the outdoor program, physical fitness, an athletics program, the attention given to developing good character and resilience, the performing and visual arts were all given greater emphasis to round out the experience. This point merits highlighting: Ridgeview is not intended to be only an education, but rather, an experience. This is what an Ambassador is intended to represent: the educational, moral, and temperamental development of human beings.
The Mission
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This program utilizes a nomination and selection process. Students must be nominated by faculty members and undergo an interview process in order to become eligible for this program.
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The short answer is that it cannot be reduced to a single quality. In our Student Ambassadors, we seek qualities of gratitude, humility, sincerity, good cheer, and perseverance. We look for evidence of a diversity of experiences, humility, curiosity, and a willingness to sacrifice good grades for a great education if need be. We look not only for evidence of athleticism, but for a balanced life. We look for work experience, a history of initiative, for good character, and for evidence that they would have the time to commit to this program.
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Student Ambassadors attend meetings, do reading, attend special field trips, interact more with the community, take courses in etiquette and protocol, speak publicly, host prospective families and students, attend retreats, spend more time outdoors, and have their names inscribed on the walls upstairs. It is our hope that our Ambassadors serve as Ridgeview’s vanguard and work to encourage other students to apply in the future.
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Yes! There are several perks for Ambassadors, such as free dress days, special gear with the signature Ambassador logo, a letter of commendation in their student file, and a luncheon, but there are also many responsibilities.
To develop leaders and provide the opportunity for senior students to lead junior students.
To represent the school to prospective students and families.
To work with younger students in an effort to encourage them to stay the course and complete their educations at Ridgeview.
To participate in a handful of philanthropic activities wherein they recognize and honor the service of others outside of Ridgeview. These activities will be limited to first responders, military veterans, and the restoration of trails and other areas of importance to the school’s outdoor program.
Distinguish Ridgeview and contribute to the school’s long-term legacy within the Fort Collins and broader community
Student Ambassador Trips
The Student Ambassadors complete several trips during the course of each year. Trips have included Wilderness First Aid, Ice Climbing, and Yurts. The purpose of these trips is to provide wilderness skills in a variety of weather situations so that students may improve their outdoor skills, bond as a group, and serve as knowledgeable peers on field trips school-wide.