The Signet Society contains individuals with often overlooked personalities. This group of fifteen Sixth Formers, elected by their peers, embodies the school’s values and plays a vital role in shaping leadership. By fostering leadership skills, its members strengthen the connections between students across all grades. Their events and engagement with school leaders have a significant influence on the school’s culture.
Let’s take a look at Sixth Former Mason Wiegand’s journey to joining Signet Society and its impact on his life here.
Wiegand first learned about Signet Society at the end of his junior year, initially only knowing that it represented the school. As a member, he has attended meetings with Form Dean Mr. Will Leech, taking on numerous tasks important for the community such as handling Sixth Form parking. He has met with many school leaders, such as the Head of School Mr. Casertano, to address larger issues, including difficulties in managing the students at high-stakes sporting events. Among these were the most recent Malvern-Haverford basketball games, which have caused agitation in the community recently.
Reflecting on the group’s role in the community, Wiegand emphasized its diversity. “The Signet Society is made up of a diverse group of people because anyone can be a part of it. It’s there for anyone who opens themselves up to it,” he explained.
However, Wiegand’s leadership journey was gradual. He tried out for various leadership roles in his Third and Fourth Form years but did not find much success. This changed when he applied to the Character Mentorship Program (CMP) as a Fifth Former and was accepted. He now serves as the Chairman this school year.
CMP is a student-led system composed of five Sixth Formers, five Fifth Formers, and two faculty members. CMP members are assigned students found in violation of the Honor Code to help guide them and prevent them from making future mistakes.
Wiegand’s work on the CMP has gradually shaped him into a student leader through his highly reflective work with many different students. “There hasn’t been a defining moment for me in the CMP. Rather, a series of people and experiences have radically changed how I see myself and Haverford,” Wiegand said. “Each person is dealing with the same few core issues of identity: Who am I? Where do I belong?”
He credits his growth as a CMP member to the students he has mentored in the program. “By taking the time to look at myself objectively, I’ve found more enjoyment in Haverford, and I hope I have shown that to the students who I’ve mentored as well, Wiegand said, “They were the ones who taught me.”
For Wiegand, leadership has been about being open-minded, being mature, and embracing every opportunity.
A defining moment in Wiegand’s journey came at Camp Saginaw, where he bonded with the current Third Form and helped them prepare to adjust to high school life.
“I realized how important it is to make younger students feel comfortable. I remember sitting around the campfire, talking with freshmen who were nervous about high school. Just being there for them made a difference,” Wiegand said. “That’s when I knew leadership isn’t about your status. It’s about your impact.”
For Wiegand, leadership has been about being open-minded, being mature, and embracing every opportunity. Outside of school, Wiegand serves as the Outreach Director for the Global Compromise Collective, a nonprofit focused on diplomacy and combating polarization. Wiegand demonstrates that being a leader isn’t about your titles and accomplishments; it’s about leading by example and making positive impacts.
