Leadership
Leadership
Leadership Isn't an Activity—It's Part of the Curriculum at Marmion Academy
Leadership is often described as something students develop through athletics, clubs, or student government. At Marmion Academy, leadership goes far beyond extracurricular involvement. It is a foundational pillar of our educational mission and something every student studies, practices, and lives every day.
Marmion has built leadership directly into the academic experience. Every student participates in a dedicated leadership curriculum designed to cultivate character, responsibility, confidence, and service. We believe leadership isn’t something reserved for a select few—it’s a skill and mindset that can be developed in every young person.
Each week, students spend dedicated class time focused on leadership development. Through guided instruction, discussion, team-building activities, reflection, and real-world application, they learn what it means to lead with integrity and purpose. These lessons challenge students to grow not only as learners but as people of character who are prepared to positively influence those around them.
One of the unique aspects of the Marmion experience is that students choose one of two leadership pathways that best fits their interests and goals. While each pathway offers a different approach, both share the same mission: students leave with the confidence, skills, and purpose to lead with integrity and make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
JROTC
Faculty
- LTC Daniel Williams – Department Chair/Senior Instructor
630-966-7646; dwilliams@marmion.org - MSG Joseph Fabish – Junior Army Instructor
630-966-7641; jfabish@marmion.org - SFC Robert Norton – Sophomore Instructor
630-966-7692; rnorton@marmion.org - SGM Andrew Weldon – Freshman Army Instructor
630-766-7693; aweldon@marmion.org
Courses – See Course Catalog for full details.
- Military 1, ½ Credit, Full Year Course – Freshmen
- Military 2, ½ Credit, Full Year Course – Sophomores
- Military 3, ½ Credit, Full Year Course – Juniors
- Military 4, ½ Credit, Full Year Course – Seniors
Students may participate in JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps), where they develop leadership through self-discipline, teamwork, communication, and service while learning valuable organizational and decision-making skills in a structured environment. The program’s mission is to motivate young people to be better Citizens by emphasizing life skills, building character, and instilling the core values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.
Although the program is sponsored by the United States Army, there is no active or reserve military obligation incurred upon completion of the program.
L.E.A.D.
- Paul Chabura Co-LEAD Director – 630-897-6936 ext. 258; pchabura@marmion.org
- Aaron Nieckula Co-LEAD Director; 630-897-6936 EXT #226 anieckula@marmion.org
- Megan Wille; mwille@marmion.org
Courses – See Course Catalog for full details.
- LEAD 1, ½ Credit, Full Year Course – Freshmen
- LEAD 2, ½ Credit, Full Year Course – Sophomores
- LEAD 3, ½ Credit, Full Year Course – Juniors
- LEAD 4, ½ Credit, Full Year Course – Seniors
Students may also choose the L.E.A.D. (Leadership, Education, and Development) Program, a four-year Benedictine leadership curriculum that intentionally develops students into leaders of character, faith, and service.
Through dedicated leadership coursework, students grow in self-awareness, communication, ethical decision-making, and team leadership while completing meaningful projects, service experiences, public speaking opportunities, and a comprehensive digital leadership portfolio.
Beyond the Classroom
Leadership at Marmion doesn’t end when class is over. Students put these lessons into action throughout campus life—whether serving as mentors for younger students, leading athletic teams, organizing service projects, participating in campus ministry, or collaborating on academic projects. Leadership becomes a habit that influences how students treat others, overcome challenges, and contribute to their communities.
These experiences prepare students for success long after graduation. Colleges and employers seek individuals who can communicate effectively, solve problems, collaborate with others, and lead with integrity. Marmion graduates leave with more than academic knowledge—they leave with the confidence and character to step forward when leadership is needed.
At Marmion Academy, our goal is not simply to educate students for the next test or the next four years. We are preparing them for a lifetime of leadership.
Because leadership isn’t just something we encourage.
It’s something we teach.