At George School, Antonio Lance ’24  became the kind of leader who embodies the traits of those who guided him as a younger student. Now, he has leaned into his passion for caring for his peers as a collegiate residence assistant. 

Living on his own for the first time at 13 years old, Antonio expected to be much more homesick than he was when he moved into Orton Dormitory. Instead, he quickly bonded with his prefects and dorm parents, who made him feel comfortable to be himself.

During Antonio’s freshman year, just before winter break, his prefects woke him and his dormmates up at 5 a.m. to surprise them with holiday gifts. He was touched to receive skincare gifts that they knew he loved. “You’re not just a number at George School,” he said. “People are paying attention to you and getting to know the smallest details about you.”

Antonio watched his peers thrive as captains of sports teams, leaders of affinity groups, representatives of their school and more across campus, and decided he was going to follow their example. “Seeing students making such impactful change at George School inspired me to get involved as a prefect and in other leadership positions,” Antonio said. “One of my biggest passions now is leading and advocating for change.”

Antonio is now a sophomore at Loyola University in Baltimore, studying forensic science and accounting in a 4+1 master’s program. He also joined the Black Student Association and Latin Student Association, in addition to being an RA for freshmen. One of Antonio’s favorite activities is planning and walking in the Black Student Association Fashion Show, Loyola’s largest annual campuswide event. 

“Having come from a community that enthusiastically pushes you to be seen and heard really helps you along your way,” said Antonio. While the George School community encourages individual identity, he notes that not all places are as welcoming. “I want to motivate others, through my presence and encouragement, to take up their own space on their campuses and surrounding communities, even when it is scary.”

“I want to motivate others, through my presence and encouragement, to take up their own space on their campuses and surrounding communities, even when it is scary.”

For Antonio, growing alongside his peers at George School left him with leadership skills that he has been empowered to share and model to others across new communities in college. Antonio’s advice? “Do not let your anxious thoughts get in the way of trying something you are interested in; it can impact the rest of your life. I would never have joined the clubs I did or found my passion for leadership if I didn’t push myself out of my comfort zone.”