“There’s an excitement about life that teenagers have. They have such strong emotions. And that joy, that frustration, whatever they’re feeling — it inspires me.”

New Director of Student Activities Starrchild K. Jackson nearly bubbled over with his own joy as he described via Zoom what it’s like for him to work with high schoolers. Then he heard a shout, followed by raucous laughter.

“I have students outside my office right now and they’re so excited to be playing ping-pong!” he grinned. “That’s them all the time. They feel so strongly. I love that, and I don’t want them to lose that.”

Starrchild’s background includes stints in law (as a legal intern, Afro Scholar and SEO Law Fellow), public affairs (as a congressional intern) and DEI (as founder and board chairman of nonprofit Our Rising Starrs, supporting underserved students). That last point represents a throughline across his resume: his work with, and enthusiasm for, elevating kids. 

“I was really fortunate in that I always had both parents,” he said. “But I grew up in a town where most people were in single-parent households. Most of my friends growing up were low-income. I had a best friend who went to college for a semester and then dropped out because he didn’t have a support system. That totally changed my perspective, because I always felt supported.”

This was the impetus for Starrchild to create a nonprofit, one that would bypass a system that refused to give students like his friend a leg up. “They had the brains, they had the ability to be in school; they just didn’t have the support,” he said. “And I’m a big dreamer, so I was off to the races.” 

The South Jersey native and Boston University graduate moved to Philadelphia in 2024 and planned to become a lawyer. Then he reconsidered. 

“I loved working with students, especially high-school age,” said Starrchild. “That’s always been my passion.” 

He saw George School’s ad for director of student activities and was intrigued. “I grew up with a lot of Quaker influence and love the Quaker tradition,” he said. “And this is an IB (International Baccalaureate) school, and I’m an IB diploma recipient.” 

Next came a visit to campus, where Starrchild was wowed by the school’s woodsy beauty. The deal was sealed. 

“I thought, ‘This could be my backyard. I could do activities in a place like this!’ That’s what drew me to George School,” he said. 

Now, in the driver’s seat and with the school year underway, Starrchild plans to steer the program in new directions. In short, his goal with George students is the same as with past students: elevation.

“As I see it, I’m a community builder — here to facilitate community and inclusion,” he said. “I want everyone to feel like they have a space here, and that there are events here that are meant for them. I am their advocate and support system, and I want them to have the comfort to come to me when they need things.” 

What’s more, Starrchild believes student activities are most rewarding when purpose drives them. 

“Fun things are great. But do they have meaning behind them? That’s more important to me.” He offered an example of a trip to New York City that would include a visit to Ellis Island, which received immigrants to the United States for over 60 years and houses the National Museum of Immigration.

“I think this is a year of change and new beginnings for all of us here at George School, and I’m looking forward to it,” said Starrchild. “There are some really big initiatives happening, and I’m so excited for the kids.”