2025 RS Conference: Carrollwood Day School USA

• School: Carrollwood Day School
• Location: Tampa, Florida
• Theme: Environmentalism
• Age Group: 13-15 Years
• Date: 9-12 November 2025

From 9–13 November 2025, Carrollwood Day School opened its doors to the world, hosting its inaugural Round Square Global Conference. For five days, our campus became a vibrant hub of creativity, collaboration, and global connection, welcoming student delegates and faculty from seven countries across four continents.

This year’s theme, “Seeds of Ingenuity: Where Entrepreneurial Ideas Take Root,” inspired conversations and projects that reached far beyond the classroom. Delegates explored sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship, sharing perspectives and ideas that will resonate long after the conference ended.

Bringing the World to Carrollwood

At the heart of Carrollwood Day School’s Round Square philosophy is the belief that students grow into thoughtful, compassionate leaders when they are challenged to experience the world beyond what they already know. While Round Square often offers opportunities for students to travel, this conference flipped the script: instead of students going out into the world, the world came to them.

Seventeen Upper and Middle School students served as delegates, navigating workshops, keynote sessions, and discussions with curiosity and confidence. Meanwhile, twenty-three CDS families generously hosted international students, offering personal connections that exemplify our commitment to global learning and authentic cultural exchange.

Student Leadership in Action

The conference was guided by Noah and Avery Student Conference Leaders and co-presidents of Round Square, whose vision, preparation, and leadership shaped the experience for every participant. Their work, along with that of their peers, ensured that each session was meaningful, interactive, and engaging.

As students and guests arrived from Rwanda, Peru, Ecuador, England, Denmark, and Canada—many experiencing the United States for the first time—the campus buzzed with excitement. The welcome ceremony set the tone for the week, weaving together performances, speeches, and a flag ceremony that celebrated curiosity, collaboration, and connection. A food truck rally followed, giving students the chance to share meals, laughter, and new cultural experiences.

Immersive Learning Experiences

Day two began with keynote speaker Katie Williams, Director of Marketing and Partnerships for the Ocean Rescue Alliance International. She shared her organisation’s work building artificial reefs to restore coral ecosystems, blending science and creativity to address pressing environmental challenges. Students then participated in barazas, a Building Reefs hands-on workshop, and a scavenger hunt that combined fun with critical thinking. The day concluded with the Climate Fresk workshop, where delegates brainstormed actionable solutions to global environmental issues.

On day three, students connected with nature at the Clearwater Aquarium and the nearby beach, reflecting on the ecosystems we rely upon and discussing conservation strategies. Day four introduced delegates to the world of sustainable entrepreneurship at Embarc Collective, where they met three inspiring entrepreneurs. Tim R. Holcomb, CEO of Embarc Collective, led a dynamic Q&A, while Shawn Cutter, Founder of EnergiAcres, discussed using greenhouses alongside power plants to reduce carbon footprints. SaLisa Berrien, Founder of COI Energy, demonstrated how unused energy can be redirected to communities in need, transforming inefficiency into opportunity. The day concluded with a walk along the Tampa Riverwalk, a meal at Armature Works, and a student-led keynote series, capped by lightning pitches and a design sprint showcasing the ingenuity of Carrollwood students.

Celebration and Reflection

The conference closed with a celebration that reflected the energy and inspiration of the week. Delegates, students, and faculty gathered for reflection, followed by a festive dinner, Kona Ice treats, and a Silent Disco that had everyone dancing into the evening.

Hosting the Round Square Global Conference reminded us why we choose this path. Carrollwood Day School does not simply teach students to learn; it teaches them to lead, serve, and connect with perspectives beyond their own. By welcoming the world onto campus, we witnessed the seeds of ingenuity come alive, entrepreneurial ideas take root, and lasting friendships form across continents.