Fall brings leaves that turn from green to auburn. Winter brings barren black branches dusted with snow. Spring brings green leaves soaked by rains. Summer brings blossomed woods. Our trees change with the seasons, leading nature’s turning of the page from season to season.

Schools also follow the seasons. Each year seasoned leaders move on – leaving space for new leaders to emerge. This weekend our school will experience a change as our graduating seniors cross the stage, receive their diplomas, and begin the next chapter of their lives. They leave a legacy of leadership characterized by kindness, responsibility, and caring. 

Their class found a way to shine light in the darkest of times. They did not let themselves be defined by their circumstances. They each – in their own way – made the best of what they were given. Showing us all the power of the mind to transform.

With change comes opportunity. The new season for student leadership begins Monday, June 7th, as our rising seniors have the opportunity to lead our school forward. Standing on the shoulders of those who have come before them, they will be able to see a little further. Vision is where leadership begins. But the vision can not be narrow or exclusive. A vision must be broad enough and inclusive enough so that each student has an opportunity to contribute, to be seen, and to be valued.

Historically, our greatest leadership has come from those with the courage to build diverse and representative groups. A common vision driven by a diverse and educated populace that embraces growth has the capacity to break new ground. Leadership cannot be limited to the status quo. Leadership values the past while aspiring to reach new heights. 

I hope this weekend you each have an opportunity to reflect on the contribution you will make to our school community. We are all better served when each of us is engaged in the collective effort to grow together.

Peace,
Chris