10 Years of LEAD MFA: Celebrating the Class of 2025
LEAD MFA Class of 2025 Motto
“Enter to learn. Leave to Serve.'“
The sound of students’ laughter, the beat of celebratory music, and the swish of graduation gowns filled the air on October 26 as LEAD Monrovia Football Academy (LEAD MFA) celebrated the Class of 2025’s high school graduation — becoming the second class to graduate from LEAD MFA.
This year’s ceremony carried special significance. Just two weeks earlier, on October 12, LEAD MFA celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of transforming education through sport in Liberia.
From heartfelt speeches to moments of reflection, the ceremony showcased how far these students have come. As part of the LEAD MFA tradition, each graduating class creates a motto that reflects their journey and purpose. This year, the class chose “Enter to learn. Leave to serve,” which they’ve lived out since their first day. The motto perfectly encapsulates their belief that true leadership begins with a commitment to learning.
Every moment, from the music to the final walk across the stage, reminded attendees that LEAD MFA is not just a school; it’s a community built on mentorship, belonging, and shared dreams. Graduating senior Albertha K. shared, “At LEAD, I witnessed true leadership in action. I didn’t just learn that leaders take the lead; I saw it practiced every day.”
Ten Years of Impact: LEAD MFA’s Legacy
The Class of 2025’s journey is part of a much larger story, one that began ten years ago with a bold vision to combine academic excellence, character development, and football. What started as a pioneering idea has evolved into a model of leadership development in Liberia. Over the years, LEAD MFA has become a home for young people to learn and grow into the kind of leaders their communities need.
Graduate Kadiatu M. reflected on how leadership has taken on a new meaning for her: “It means serving others, setting an example, and inspiring teamwork both on and off the field.” And for graduate William K., who has been with LEAD MFA for ten years, “leadership isn’t just something I learned; it’s something I now live.”
Looking Ahead
All eight graduates are pursuing post-secondary education. Seven of the eight are continuing their educational journeys at Stella Maris Polytechnic University and the African Methodist Episcopal University in Liberia. The class valedictorian, Paul, is continuing his academic studies at the prestigious African Leadership Academy in South Africa (read his story here).
As the graduates look toward the future, they carry with them the lessons of LEAD MFA. The academy’s values will guide them as they make a difference in their communities through service and leadership. Their journeys continue to reflect LEAD’s mission: to nurture ethical, empathetic, and entrepreneurial leaders through education and sport.
As the music faded and families began to make their way out, one thing was clear. The Class of 2025 is ready to lead. And as LEAD MFA steps into its second decade, we are reminded that every milestone, every graduate, and every story is part of something much bigger — a vision to raise leaders who will move Liberia and the world forward.