Why Our Mission Matters More Than Ever
Last week at assembly, I wished our boys and staff a Happy New Year and thanked them for a great return to school. I drew special attention to the fact that the start of a new year often provides us with an opportunity to pause and consider the various parts of our life that we aim to change – spend more time with family, go to the gym twice a week, focus on what brings happiness, eat less junk food – rarely, however, do we place as much emphasis on our habits we should continue.
Each year is special and unique in its own right – largely due to historic events. I recall vividly when the Blue Jays won the World Series in 1993, and the September 11th terrorist attacks of 2001. I remember when I started my first full-time teaching job in 2000 and when my first child was born in 2006. Of course, there was much more that happened in each of these and many other years, but defining events stay with us as significant markers. Such was true in 2017.
2017 was a complex and complicated year. There were developments in science, engineering, medicine, and health that we are still thinking about. There was massive political disruption around the world. There were notable deaths and births. There were sporting feats and accomplishments. There was artistic genius. And, there was a reckoning in Hollywood.
I have read and thought a lot about the avalanche of sexual misconduct scandals that have shifted the conversation about respect, equity, and inclusivity. I have listened carefully to the range of experiences and perspectives, and have looked for wisdom from trusted sources. One such person is Oprah Winfrey. Recently, Oprah received the Cecil B. DeMille award at the 2018 Golden Globes; she was the first black woman to do so. During her acceptance speech she gave a passionate address about race and the #MeToo movement.
“What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have,” Oprah said. “Each of us in this room are celebrated because of the stories that we tell and this year we became the story. It’s one that transcends culture, geography, race, religion, politics or workplace.... For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dared to speak the truth to the power of those men — but their time is up." And so it should be – there is no place for any form of harassment, discrimination, prejudice, or racism in our world today, certainly not at Crescent School. Any type of this behavior runs contrary to our core values and, as such, is dealt with appropriately at our School – because in doing so, we teach what we mean when we say “character.”
In the same way that we should build on the parts of our life that are working, we too should celebrate the promise that exists in all people, especially our boys at Crescent School. It is why I am very proud of our Prefects’ leadership, students highlighted at assembly – and all boys in our community who are living their promise. Their time is now … So as we look ahead and think about our resolutions for this coming year, let’s not forget that our promise forms the basis of our character – the passion, possibility, and potential that lives within each of us to make this world better than we find it. In doing so, we will be one step closer to fulfilling our mission, which perhaps matters more than ever, to build Men of Character from Boys of Promise.
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2017 was a complex and complicated year. There were developments in science, engineering, medicine, and health that we are still thinking about. There was massive political disruption around the world. There were notable deaths and births. There were sporting feats and accomplishments. There was artistic genius. And, there was a reckoning in Hollywood.
I have read and thought a lot about the avalanche of sexual misconduct scandals that have shifted the conversation about respect, equity, and inclusivity. I have listened carefully to the range of experiences and perspectives, and have looked for wisdom from trusted sources. One such person is Oprah Winfrey. Recently, Oprah received the Cecil B. DeMille award at the 2018 Golden Globes; she was the first black woman to do so. During her acceptance speech she gave a passionate address about race and the #MeToo movement.
“What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have,” Oprah said. “Each of us in this room are celebrated because of the stories that we tell and this year we became the story. It’s one that transcends culture, geography, race, religion, politics or workplace.... For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dared to speak the truth to the power of those men — but their time is up." And so it should be – there is no place for any form of harassment, discrimination, prejudice, or racism in our world today, certainly not at Crescent School. Any type of this behavior runs contrary to our core values and, as such, is dealt with appropriately at our School – because in doing so, we teach what we mean when we say “character.”
In the same way that we should build on the parts of our life that are working, we too should celebrate the promise that exists in all people, especially our boys at Crescent School. It is why I am very proud of our Prefects’ leadership, students highlighted at assembly – and all boys in our community who are living their promise. Their time is now … So as we look ahead and think about our resolutions for this coming year, let’s not forget that our promise forms the basis of our character – the passion, possibility, and potential that lives within each of us to make this world better than we find it. In doing so, we will be one step closer to fulfilling our mission, which perhaps matters more than ever, to build Men of Character from Boys of Promise.
See all of Headmaster Fellin's Open Mike Blogs
