Servite's Priory Leadership Program:
A Tradition of Fraternity, Service, and Devotion to Mary

For more than 17 years, Servite High School's Priory Leadership Program has stood as a cornerstone of our unique approach to forming young men. Established in the 2007-2008 school year, this comprehensive, hands-on leadership experience provides students with the opportunity to learn and practice leadership through peer accountability and increased responsibility in all components of the student experience.

A Living Lab for Formation

The Priory system serves as a practical lab where students actively apply Servite's Formation Themes—Primacy of Faith, Mastery of Self, Necessity of the Other, and Centrality of Christ. 

"Through Priory, I've learned necessary skills of effective communication and diligence in order to make sure lessons go smoothly and that I remain committed to my responsibilities," shares Pierre Balta '25, Prior General.

"Being a leader has helped me to communicate effectively with others as well as plan and organize everything, preventing stress and planning for the future. Priory has taught me confidence when talking to people as well as, when needed, come up with something on the fly to keep everyone engaged," reflects Aidan Sullivan '25, Treasurer General.

Tradition

The student body is divided into eight Priories, each comprising of approximately 100 students, Freshmen are paired with Seniors, and Sophomores are paired with Juniors. This structure draws directly from the centuries-old Servite tradition, with each Priory named after one of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order—Alexis, Amideus, Bonajuncta, Bonfilius, Hugh, Manettus, and Sostene—plus Philip, one of the primary saints of the Order. These names connect today's students to a spiritual lineage dating back to 1233 when the original seven founders established the Order of Friar Servants of Mary in Florence, Italy. By incorporating these historical figures into daily campus life, Servite High School bridges nearly 800 years of tradition with modern education. This connection to the past creates an immediate sense of belonging and purpose from a student's first day at Servite, as they become part of something much larger than themselves—a brotherhood with deep historical roots and enduring values.

Brotherhood by Design

The eight Priories engage in competitions throughout the school year, beginning at Formation Weekend. Points are awarded based on various activities including academic achievements, service projects, skills competitions and other events that take place throughout the year. This friendly rivalry adds excitement while teaching valuable lessons about teamwork and excellence, with the winning Priory receiving the coveted Priory Cup at the end of the year. 

As an all-boys school since 1958, Servite understands how young men learn best: through competition, hands-on experience, and peer relationships. Throughout these competitions, the Formation theme of "Necessity of the Other" is highlighted, revealing the strengths and weaknesses of their brothers and how they must depend on each other and celebrate each other’s similarities and differences. The Priory system directly addresses common challenges young men face, such as finding their place and developing meaningful connections. Through this intentional structure, Servite continues its tradition of forming young men who are prepared to lead with faith, character, and wisdom in college, their profession, and their family and personal life.

Planning for the 2025-2026 School Year Has Already Begun!

The Priory Leadership team has returned from their annual Leadership Summit, ready to take on the new school year. During the four-day event, students from sophomores to seniors worked together to develop lesson plans while participating in team-building activities, games, and daily Mass. These activities weren't just for fun—they're the same exercises and games the leaders plan to implement during Priory periods throughout the coming year. The Summit featured friendly competitions between Priories that helped strengthen relationships and build trust among the student leaders. The Priory program, which engages all students from Freshman Formation Weekend through the end of the school year, continues to be a cornerstone of the Servite experience.