Athens Academy senior Charlie Walton completed a two-year Capstone project focused on

the study and practice of leadership, driven by a central question: what makes an effective leader,

and can leadership be developed? Inspired by an advanced leadership camp experience early in

high school, Charlie explored leadership across academics, athletics, business, and service, with a

particular interest in servant leadership and building community. Through more than 200 hours of

research, reflection, and hands-on experience, Charlie’s project emphasized that strong

leadership is rooted in empathy, trust, values, and purposeful influence.

As part of his research, Charlie studied influential leadership texts including Dare to Lead,

Leaders Eat Last, and Lead It Like Lasso, along with TED Talks and scholarly articles examining

leadership psychology and history. He complemented this work with in-depth interviews with

accomplished leaders, including Commander Wallace Miller of the U.S. Naval Academy, University

of Georgia Head Football Coach Kirby Smart, and Athens Chick-fil-A Operator Shane Todd. These

conversations reinforced key themes such as mentorship, accountability, communication,

resilience, and the importance of leading with integrity across different fields.

Mentorship played a central role in Charlie’s Capstone. Working closely with Athens

Academy faculty mentors and Deans of Students Beth Farmer and Brian Olson, Charlie refined his

understanding of leadership as an other-centered practice focused on service and long-term

impact rather than recognition. Through ongoing reflection and guidance, Charlie grew in his ability

to think strategically, lead with humility, and translate values into action—skills that shaped both

his contributions and his personal leadership development.

Charlie’s contributions brought his research to life on campus. He organized the inaugural

Athens Academy Pickleball Tournament, raising funds for a clean water well in Africa, and

delivered an ACAD Talk exploring the emerging connection between neurofeedback and leadership

development. Most significantly, he applied his learning through Student Council initiatives

designed to strengthen school spirit and community support, including revitalized event

promotion, a highly successful Homecoming Week, and the Spartan Support Challenge, which

encouraged widespread student participation at athletic, arts, and school events.

Reflecting on the project, Charlie views the greatest impact as the lasting influence of

relationships, example, and service. His Capstone affirmed that leadership is not about titles or

checklists, but about empowering others, building trust, and leading with purpose. Armed with a

deeper understanding of his own leadership style and values, Charlie leaves Athens Academy

prepared to carry these lessons forward into future leadership endeavors and community

involvement.In addition to successfully defending his Capstone project, Charlie has also received an

appointment to the United States Naval Academy for fall 2026.

Athens Academy’s Capstone Project is an opportunity for Upper School students to explore

a passion via four criteria: research, mentorship, experiential learning, and an outward

contribution. Each student submits a research paper detailing an aspect of the project, and they

defend the project before a committee of faculty and administrators, similar to a Ph.D. oral

defense. Students whose projects are approved by the committee receive the Capstone

designation at commencement in May.

Athens Academy is an independent, co-educational school for students in K3 through 12th

grade, located on a beautiful 152-acre campus in Northeast Georgia. Now in its 59th year, Athens

Academy pursues its mission of “excellence with honor” through academics, athletics, fine arts,

and service and leadership. Ranked the #1 private school in Athens, #7 private school in the state

of Georgia (out of 400+ schools), and #1 private school in North Georgia (Niche.com).

For more information, please contact Kelley Cuneo, communications director, at

[email protected] or 706-433-2410.