Listen to the stories emerging from St. Luke’s, and you will soon hear the phrase Above & Beyond. We began using it years ago, after research showed our parents regularly employed these words, or similar sentiments, to describe St. Luke’s, and in particular, our faculty.
Today, I share four examples of Above & Beyond as embodied by a cross-section of our community…
The Administrator: Guy Bailey
Last week, Guy Bailey, our Assistant Head of School for Teaching and Learning, gave what I consider to be a perfect Meditation. It had every element a of great presentation: It was personal, funny, and meaningful. He used his youth, his mistakes and his hair to share important life lessons. Students were laughing as authentically as I’ve ever heard them laugh. With Guy’s retirement racing toward us, this Heroes & Hair Meditation was a bittersweet reminder of all we’ve grown to love about Guy and will soon be missing
The Student, Maria Juran ‘15
Maria Juran has a wonderful way with words. She’s been featured in St. Luke’s literary magazine, The Pendulum, and has won numerous poetry and writing awards. Most recently, Maria nabbed the High School Prize from The Poetry Center at Smith College and both a Silver Key and Honorable Mention from Scholastic’s Art & Writing contest.
Maria is also a staff writer at the St. Luke’s Sentinel. She recently wrote an excellent article regarding the new Leadership Studies Department. I came across it and was struck by how well and succinctly she covered this Center for Leadership initiative.
The Alumnus: Zach Pearce ‘08
By now, many of you know Zach as St. Luke’s Sports Information Specialist. Zach’s Above & Beyond abilities were quite apparent in his recent coverage of the Fathers and Friends Breakfast, featuring our new Athletic Director, Mike West.
Having a former student return to the Hilltop full of enthusiasm and love of his alma mater, not to mention sporting some impressive professional skills—doesn’t get much better.
The Parents: St. Luke’s Parents’ Association
With record-breaking attendance and fundraising, the Spring Gathering, Motown on the Hilltop, exceeded all expectations. Co-chairs Alicia Wyckoff and Heather Freeman were unstoppable examples of leadership and tenacity. Sixty-plus committee members were stunningly generous with time, talent, and support of the School on every level.
A special shout out is required for SLS parent Jon Jodka, who executed the auctioneer role with humor, aplomb and serious skill!
Thank you, St. Luke’s parents. We never cease to be amazed at your willingness to go Above & Beyond for our school, our children, and our one-of-a-kind community.