These teens expected leadership lessons. They found mentors instead.

Graduates of Chabad of Chesterfield’s first Solomon Leadership Program say the biggest lessons they learned weren’t about public speaking or leadership. They were about mentorship, community and Jewish identity.

Published July 16, 2026

When Chabad of Chesterfield launched the Solomon Leadership Program last year, the goal was straightforward: help local high school juniors and seniors become better leaders through mentorship, guest speakers and values-based learning.

A year later, the first class has graduated. But when asked what they’ll remember most, the graduates didn’t talk first about leadership techniques or public speaking.

They talked about the people who invested in them.

They talked about mentors.

Shauna Kruger, a senior at Parkway Central High School, said the program exceeded her expectations.

“The experience went deeper than I expected. The program did not simply teach me leadership skills. It gave me the tools to grow as a person and understand what leadership truly means.”

She said one of the program’s biggest lessons was learning to reflect on her own decisions and grow from them.

“I have become much more reflective and intentional about my choices. I now take time to think about how I reacted in past situations, what I could have done differently and how I want to handle similar situations in the future. Instead of simply regretting a decision, I have learned to use it as an opportunity to grow into a stronger and more thoughtful leader.”

That theme surfaced repeatedly. Rather than describing a list of skills they had learned, the graduates talked about becoming more thoughtful, more intentional and more willing to learn from others. Leadership, they suggested, started with understanding themselves.

Mentors helped students see themselves as leaders

Abby Morgan, a recent graduate of Marquette High School, said the program reinforced the importance of surrounding herself with trusted mentors.

“I will carry with me the importance of having mentors and trusted people in my life. My mentor always greeted me with a smile, shared personal stories and made me feel comfortable. His willingness to listen and offer advice made our connection stronger. As I move into my next chapter, I will remember that leadership does not mean handling everything alone. It also means being open to guidance and learning from the experiences of others.”

For Jonah Stolker, a senior at The Whitfield School, the mentor relationship was unlike anything he had experienced in previous leadership programs.

“When I first applied to the Solomon Leadership Program, I did not know what to expect. In the past, I had participated in other leadership programs, but the idea of a mentor aspect and involvement of a local leader was something entirely unique. I hoped to gain connection with somebody who I would see as a friend, but also as a guide, and I got exactly that.”

That relationship also helped him see himself differently.

“One way that I changed because of the Solomon Leadership Program was being able to see myself in the shoes of a leader. Before the program, I struggled with seeing myself as an entrepreneur and being able to achieve the dreams that I hope for myself in the future. Solomon helped me change that by aligning me directly with a leader and giving me the direct connection to the experience and expertise that I needed to get a clearer picture of my future.”

Building a community through mentorship

Program director Chanala Rubenfeld said one of the biggest surprises was seeing the impact extend well beyond the students.

“The biggest surprise was how powerful the program became for everyone involved, not only the fellows, but also the mentors, parents and guest speakers. The fellows grew in real, practical ways, applying what they learned to their lives, relationships and goals.”

“At the same time, the program became a community within the community. Beautiful friendships and meaningful connections developed across generations, and everyone involved felt that they were part of something truly special.”

Leadership also strengthened Jewish identity

The program’s influence extended beyond leadership skills.

As he prepares for college this fall, Stolker said one lesson will stay with him.

“Everyday aspects of leadership that I apply to my life can come from Judaism. Previously, I did not know how to make the connection between modern leadership and my Jewish connection, but Solomon helped me make that connection.”

Rabbi Avi Rubenfeld said Stolker’s experience reflected what he saw throughout the inaugural class.

“Each fellow in the Solomon Leadership Program expressed feeling more connected with their Jewish identity in one way or another. First and foremost our curriculum provides them with a paradigm shift on life and leadership, helping them witness firsthand how the Torah contains practical life advice and wisdom.”

“Secondly, and perhaps even more importantly, they witness firsthand how we engage confidently with professionals and CEOs from all walks of life while remaining fully and proudly Jewish, something no workbook alone could teach,” Rubenfeld said.

“Finally, as with every Chabad of Chesterfield program, the fellows felt they became a meaningful part of the Jewish community, gaining friendships that last a lifetime.”

The inaugural graduating class also included Jenna Wasserman and Wynston Weiler. Applications and nominations are now open for the 2026-27 Solomon Leadership Program, which is open to rising high school juniors and seniors.