Student Leadership Beyond the Classroom: Amira Wardlaw ’26

In April, senior Amira Wardlaw brought the leadership and confidence she has developed at Merion Mercy Academy to the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Annual Eastern Region Teen Conference in National Harbor, Maryland. The conference featured a range of educational and leadership-building experiences, including daily business plenary sessions, a college fair, and workshops on topics such as study skills and college preparation. An oratorical contest was also held.

Founded in 1938, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is a nationally recognized leadership and youth development organization dedicated to fostering an environment where African American children and their mothers can thrive culturally, socially, and educationally. Through its programming, teens develop advanced communication and leadership skills while practicing them in structured, supportive settings.

For the past year, Amira has served as teen president of the founding Philadelphia chapter—the first of what has grown to more than 270 chapters nationwide. In preparation for the conference, each chapter created a banner, presentation video, and themed attire. This year’s theme, “The Revolution Will Be Televised,” invited teens to express—through media such as fashion and art—how far they have come as individuals, as chapters, and as a collective community.

Reflecting on her leadership role, Amira shared, “As teen president, I served as a delegate during formal business plenaries conducted under Robert’s Rules of Order. During these sessions, all participants are required to wear business attire—because when you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you do good.”

As a senior member of the chapter, Amira also participated in the annual presentation gala, a celebration of growth and achievement. During this event, seniors performed a waltz and formally introduced themselves, sharing their family background, future college, and intended field of study. “It is a beautiful celebration not just of all we have accomplished,” she said, “but of all we are on the path to achieve.”

Amira was also nominated by her peers as “Distinguished Teen” of her chapter—an honor awarded to a member who exemplifies leadership, humility, service, and a commitment to uplifting others, while promoting unity within the chapter.

Reflecting on her experience, Amira shared, “Jack and Jill is more than an organization; it is a community committed to ensuring that African American youth are nurtured with the utmost care, courage, and love.” In many ways, her experience with Jack and Jill reflects the Mercy core values of principled leadership, educational courage, and a voice for dignity and respect.

Next year, Amira will attend Spelman College, where she plans to major in economics. Students like Amira exemplify Merion Mercy Academy’s mission in action—using their voices, talents, and leadership to make a meaningful impact both within and beyond our school community. We congratulate her on this well-deserved honor and this meaningful conference experience.