Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School, 4 students
Lower Gwynedd, Pennsylvania
Adviser: Jennifer Guarnaccia
Students across the country are stepping up to solve real challenges in their communities. At Gwynedd Mercy Academy, a team of students saw a need and took action—demonstrating the power of leadership, problem-solving, and connection. Their project, Social Butterflies, is a testament to what’s possible when young leaders take charge.
The Need
Recognizing the growing impact of technology on peer relationships, this student team set out to educate younger students about the negative effects of tech overuse and create opportunities for meaningful, face-to-face connection. Their goal was to inspire confidence and encourage living in the moment—away from screens.
The Project
The team first identified specific topics around technology they wanted to address and brainstormed hands-on experiences to reinforce those lessons. They reached out to local schools to find a partner and used engaging social media posts and flyers to generate interest. Once they established a local school partner, they coordinated an outing to Rose Bridge Farm—offering young students a fun, tech-free experience designed to spark connection and joy.
The Result
While challenges in securing a partner delayed the initial timeline, the team has set plans in motion to fully execute the program in the next school year, including a structured technology education component. To support their initiative, Lead4Change awarded a $1,600 grant.
Empowering Students to Lead with Purpose
These students didn’t just have a great idea—they had the leadership skills to bring it to life. That’s exactly what Lead4Change is all about.
Lead4Change is a free leadership curriculum that helps middle and high school students:
✅ Identify real needs in their communities
✅ Develop creative solutions
✅ Take meaningful action
Just like the students behind project Social Butterflies, your students have the potential to create real change—they just need the right tools.
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Help your students lead, serve, and make a difference with our free, ready-to-use curriculum.
Every student has the potential to be a great leader who gets big things done. Lead4Change unlocks that potential—empowering them to see a problem, take action, and create lasting impact in their communities.
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