The seniors in the Global Studies Honors Program are set to present their capstone projects at our Annual Capstone Conference on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Each student’s project is the culmination of their experience and work in the Global Studies Program and presents a thesis that applies what students have learned about global cultures to a topic they genuinely care about. The sole purpose of capstones is to reflect the research and analysis students have invested in the topics they are passionate about.
Similar to independent study courses, capstones let students present on topics that they personally value and want to explore on their own (students can choose their own topics within certain guidelines), as opposed to a topic selected by the teacher and discussed by the whole class. These student-selected topics are often rooted in pop culture–for instance, the relationship between politics and fashion trends–but are explored through months of research and critical thought.
It’s important to know that capstones are not reports; they balance objective information with students’ own insights and allow them to draw their own conclusions. The requirements laid out by the GSHP are designed to challenge students to avoid simply reporting on information gained from other sources. To help prompt students to conduct their own analysis, GSHP Director Ms. Erin O’Brien has asked students to explore their topics through academic lenses: Equity vs. Equality, Community vs. Corporate, and Collectivist vs. Individualist are some examples. The goal of these projects, then, is not to describe a topic but rather to interrogate and wrestle with it for a deeper understanding.
In addition to learning more about an interesting topic–always a good thing!–Global Studies students learn to take ownership of their education in a way that conventional schoolwork doesn’t always do. And it’s not just the students completing the projects who benefit: since every project ends with a presentation (other GSHP students and all faculty are invited, as well as the presenters’ parents), others get a chance to learn something new too. Ultimately, the program lets students learn more about what they are passionate about, but on a global scale, while still educating others.
Students interested in joining the GSHP and making their way to a capstone project should start by applying to the program in their freshman or sophomore year. In addition to the capstone, participants must meet other requirements, such as completing an assigned summer reading and attending monthly meetings. If interested, reach out to the program coordinator: Ms. Erin O’Brien ([email protected]).
