Groundbreaking Ceremony for Student Life Wing - August 21, 2020

Thank you, Mr. Mantilla, for your thoughtful words, and I say “thank you” as well, for your leadership and our partnership in this good work together.
 
Thank you, one and all, and especially our honored guests this morning for taking the time to be with us….And while I know we would much prefer to be gathered in person, “side by side”, I am always grateful for any opportunity to come together as a Community.
And, today’s reason for celebrating is quite exciting---and a “historic” moment for our School, as we officially “break ground” for our Student Life Wing---the final “step” in this Soaring to Greater Heights endeavor.
 
As we begin a new school year, I cannot imagine a more appropriate way in which to gather. Thank you.
 
As you have seen from the renderings, this facility will be a beautiful, functional space, housing our new Admissions, College Counseling Offices, new Diversity/Equity/Inclusion spaces, a Global Citizenship area, CELT (Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching), our Student Activities Office, our Academic Dean Office, additional classrooms, and other gathering spaces in which students, Faculty and Staff may collaborate, and convene. 
 
This Student Life Wing will be centrally located, adjoining the new Academic Building, and residing next to Trinity Chapel, right in the “heart” of campus...Literally, the center portion of our nearly 60 acres...Seems quite “fitting”, no?
 
A Student Life Wing, at the Center of “everything”...
 
This new working space, composed of brick and mortar, represents much more than just that…More than just its physical attributes.
 
As we “break ground” today, we are opening a new world of possibilities for ALL of us...
 
A world in which the development of good, moral character and our pursuit of Academic Excellence remain as the highest priorities for our School.
 
A world in which our Students will have the very best and the most innovative spaces in which to learn, to grow, and to develop the leadership skills so dearly needed for Life.
 
A world in which our Our Community--the Palmer Trinity School Community-- will enjoy the continued, most effective daily collaboration between our Faculty and Students---a true “hallmark” of our School.
 
And while this morning’s gathering is only a brief moment in the overall scope of an entire School Year, today marks yet another step in our journey as we evolve.  
 
Every single individual plays a major role in this Step.
 
Each of you brings talents and treasures to our School every day in so many incredible and diverse ways. 
 
Each of you is a Leader. Yes---whether you “hold” a formal position of responsibility or not--you are a Leader.
 
You have been blessed with creative gifts, strong support, and the unique opportunity to be part of this Community, right here, right now.
 
It is your choice, and your responsibility to decide just how you will go about each day---just how you will lead. Your attitude makes the difference, and we are all here to cheer You on... 
 
And while I do believe that individually, we are certainly good---
 
I firmly believe that collectively we are GREAT.
 
And today’s Gathering simply reaffirms this notion, doesn’t it?
 
For without the dedication, the commitment, and the collaborative work of so many individuals----too many to name in just a few moments, in fact--this Student Life Wing would NOT have been possible. 
 
As we gather today, we continue to ADD to the good foundation of our School already established, nearly 50 years ago…
 
A foundation grounded in respect for one another, rooted in Kindness, and built with a solid framework of Love.
 
In just a moment, we will make “official” this next chapter of our exciting story.
 
Before we do, let us pause, and remember the good work that lies before us---
 
And as we are guided by a greater Mission, inspired and trained to lead lives of Virtue, Humanity and Spirit, 
 
Let us pledge to do ALL we can do, each and every day, to fulfill that most Noble Mission.
 
Let us commit to Excellence, and strive to be better in everything we do…
 
Let us continue our quest for new knowledge, reaching for the stars and aiming high in our endeavors…
 
Let us go forward enthusiastically, with a positive attitude, and with the utmost confidence...
 
Let us also always remember to be kind, gentle, and most humble in our daily actions…
 
Let us pledge to commit to the Ideals of this great Institution and to do ALL that we can to bear the Palmer Trinity name in the highest form possible... 
 
Let us work diligently to ensure that we serve others first and foremost...
 
In short, 
 
Let us Lead.
 
In conclusion, I share with you the following Prayer...
Leadership is hard to define.
Let us be the ones to define it with justice.
Leadership is not about watching and correcting.
Let us remember it is about listening and connecting.
Leadership is not about telling people what to do.
Let us find out what people need.
Leadership is less about the love of power
and more about the power of love.
Let our greatest passion be compassion.
Our greatest strength, love.
Our greatest victory, the reward of peace.
In leading, let us never fail to follow.
In loving let us never fail....Amen
 
If I may, I’d like to ask Mr. Mantilla to join me here at the Podium, as I present to him, and to our School, this Ceremonial Shovel…
 
Let us now “officially” recognize the Ground Breaking of this Student Life Wing, and step forward on our journey to the World of exciting Opportunities that lie before us!
 
 
 
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