Final Chapel Remarks, May 20

I am also so grateful for YOU---our students, and our Faculty and Staff.

In the last two months, we have navigated this crisis admirably, and with a clear commitment to our Mission.

We have come together - albeit virtually - as a Community, in new and powerful ways...We are staying “true” to that Mission: one of promoting academic excellence and leading lives of Virtue, Humanity, and Spirit.

Thank you.

We have also changed our educational model, seemingly, “overnight”, and I am so very grateful for the commitment and hard work in making it happen.

I am also incredibly inspired by the good work being done by each of you...And while I cannot physically walk into your classroom, or witness your achievements on the field, or on the stage, each day I catch a glimpse of our daily life in this Virtual World, and I am witnessing wonderful things happening!

Countless Service projects, Art Walk, Academic Celebrations, Fitness Challenges, PTPA Teacher Appreciation Moments, Educational Webinars going late into the evening, Poetry Readings, Student-Athlete Showcases, and Signings, A real, “live” Senior Parade...and the list goes on!

We may be virtual, but we are NOT resting on our laurels, and “taking a break”...

We are finding new ways to be Extra Creative, to be Adaptable, to be Diligent Problem Solvers, and to Be Positive, Servant Leaders. Well done!

As we head into Summer, know that here at School, we will be busy, planning for a Reopening.

Over these last two months, a small group of our Administrative Team Members has been working tirelessly, wrapping up this school year on a good note, while also planning for a number of different scenarios for just how School will “look”’. We have also been working hard to keep our Communications going--on a regular, consistent, and clear basis.

Special thanks also go to our Security Team, and our incredible Maintenance Team, who have worked each day, keeping our campus safe, clean, and getting a “head start” for our physical return. We will be ready, rest assured.

And, so, as we head into Summer, one in which for most of us, I assume, we will continue to stay home, and heed the health warnings...We won’t be jetting off to any exotic locales, or getting into the car to head off to visit family just “down the road”...We won’t be traveling to camp, or to see friends far away...We will most likely continue our virtual gatherings, connect with friends online, and seek to find those moments in which we can pause, take a walk, or simply disconnect…We’ll have to be creative and thoughtful in our approach, balancing the health and needs of others, and ourselves.

And while we may be feeling that sting---that disappointment in the loss of those “normal” things, I do hope you’ll take a moment to stop, look around you, and notice the Good and the abundant blessings that surround you.

I encourage you to join me in my “cautious optimism”, for I firmly believe that we are only growing stronger as a Community. Through this challenge, we are discovering inner strengths, and capabilities we may never have known otherwise.

And, yes, as an Amateur Historian, we know that the lessons of the Past show us often, that we can and we will persevere.

In his legendary Speech given to the House of Commons---just over 79 years ago, on May 7, 1941--- the great Winston Churchill, formally asked for a Vote of Confidence. This Vote happened in the midst of World War II, and as the Blitz---deadly, nighttime bombings of London---occurred regularly, ultimately taking the lives of roughly 60,00 civilians...Churchill, the Prime Minister of England, stated:

...I have never promised anything or offered anything but blood, tears, toil, and sweat...When I look back on the perils which have been overcome, upon the great mountain waves in which the gallant ship has driven, when I remember all that has gone wrong and remember also all that has gone right, I feel sure we have no need to fear the tempest.

Let it roar, and let it rage. We shall come through.

It should be noted that the subsequent vote came in favor of Churchill, 447 to 3. It’s hard to imagine who voted against Churchill after such inspiring words! And, as you well know, the Allied Forces ultimately prevailed, the evil dictator Adolph Hitler was defeated, and Victory in Europe and in the War would arrive four years later.

Yes, “we shall come through”...And while we are fighting a much different war, we will prevail...As you depart today, I leave you with a simple Prayer, written by Janet Morley, and shared with me recently. It is one I hope will give you both comfort and inspiration, and maybe one you’ll carry with you:


And remember, be good to yourself, and be good to others.

Stay safe.

Stay positive.

I truly look forward to our gathering again - whenever, and however - that may be.