Challenge Success is a non-profit organization founded at Stanford University in 2007. It promotes a balanced academic life, rather than one focused solely on grades and test scores. By promoting a variety of priorities, Challenge Success encourages a holistic view of success, one that embraces emotional and social growth.
In 2015, the high school joined this national organization out of concern for student’s well-being. Now, at the high school, it is known as a program where students work towards the goal presented over seventeen years ago at Stanford.
Margaret Lynch, reading specialist and staff advisor of the Challenge Success student group at the high school, is passionate about this program. “Our goal for this year is to encourage the greater Wellesley community to think about what success means in broader terms.”
In past years, Challenge Success achieved this goal through small activities and events such as gift bags on Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day to students and staff and free Dunkin Donuts one morning. These acts helped remind students that school is not just about grades. By creating joy in students’ days, Challenge Success emphasizes student well-being.
Challenge Success students handed out free Dunkin Donuts products in the high school lobby in 2023. Photos courtesy of Challenge Success.
The program also promotes its goal through large events. Last year, the team sponsored and organized a visit from professional basketball player and motivational speaker Chris Herren. He spoke about his experiences with addiction and how being successful means making mistakes.
Chris Herren spoke to the high school about his journey to success in 2023. Photo courtesy of Ms. Melissa Mack.
This year, the student leaders of Challenge Success, Bridget Reidy ’25, Netta Reske ’25, and Lucy Thornton ’25, are organizing a fish bowl event in November. The participants include eight to ten student speakers, a moderator, and any community members who want to watch. Fish bowls, held in the past by Challenge Success, give the opportunity for students to speak in a facilitated conversation while adults actively listen.
“The goal of the event is to amplify the voices of as many different student perspectives as possible”, said Assistant Principal Collin Shattuck.
The November fishbowl will focus on how it feels to be a senior during the fall term. Invitations for the event will be sent through the PTSO newsletter.
Reidy, Reske, and Thornton want to spread awareness about the program and increase participation. They hope to recruit more members and connect with students through their Instagram account (@whschallengesuccess).
“I wasn’t aware of the club until early last year, but after learning about its mission, I believe many students at WHS could benefit from its message”, said Reske.