Heavy is the Crown
“I have to be seen to be believed.” – Queen Elizabeth II
“Power is not given to you. You have to take it.” – Beyoncé
“To lead is to serve.” – Queen Rania of Jordan
The greatest leaders have always understood that true power is not about control — it’s about responsibility. Leadership, in its truest form, is about seeing the people around you, serving them, and using your gifts for something greater than yourself.
In Chess, the Queen is the most powerful piece on the board but her power is not reckless. She moves with purpose. Every direction and every decision is balanced with awareness of the whole game. Like the Queen, leadership at Acton isn’t about commanding; it’s about choosing wisely, acting with integrity, and inspiring others through example.
At Acton, leadership is a practice. This session offered one of the clearest, most joyful examples of what that practice looks like. The Discovery Studio’s Council, 3 elected learners, led the studio’s Halloween celebration. In the past Guides curated the fun yet this year responsibility was passed entirely into the hands of the learners. Instead of a list of purchased supplies and adult-led activities learners embraced a budget and DIY. The Council met intentionally to create a plan, they arrived early before 8am to setup and sacrificed their free time to ensure excellent hosting. From start to finish the Council crafted a celebration with creativity, care, and pride. Games, art, surprises, music, and yes lots of spider webs!
On the day of the celebration, the pride on the Council members’ faces was unmistakable and just as beautiful was the pride their peers felt stepping into the celebration their own leaders had created. When adults stepped back, true royal leadership stepped forward. This is the power of ownership. Responsibility doesn’t burden children it lifts them, it invites them to rise.
A veteran parent recently shared that while he had always believed in Acton, it wasn’t until he watched his son facilitate a Town Hall that it all finally clicked. Watching his child guide discussion, listen carefully, navigate disagreement, and ultimately bring a community together — that was the moment the philosophy became alive. Leadership moved from theory to something he could witness and feel with great pride.
This is why Acton is multi-age. This is why learners lead systems. This is why they vote, debate, write promises, and hold each other accountable. Because leadership is not understood through lectures, leadership is understood through experience.
The world our children are growing into needs leaders who can see the long view, hold responsibility with humility, collaborate with people of different ages and perspectives, listen deeply, make hard decisions, and act with both courage and care.
Every time your child facilitates a conversation, leads a game, proposes a solution, or steps forward when something matters — they are practicing the very skills that will shape their future. This is why Acton’s learner-led systems matter. Even when the crown feels heavy sometimes, the work is worth it.
As you walk beside your child on their Hero’s Journey I invite you to consider…
Where can I step back just enough for my child to step forward?
Where can I pass ownership, not to burden, but to invite growth?
How can I model the kind of leadership I hope my child will someday carry into the world?
Royalty is not about ruling, it is about responsibility. At Acton, every child and parent is learning to wear the crown — with courage, humility, and heart.