So many of my readers are familiar with the four fundamental themes of Holy Cross education that we espouse at Bishop McNamara: Being Family, Building Respect, Educating Minds and Forming Hearts, and Bringing Hope. These stem from the teachings of the Blessed Father Basile Moreau who is the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross and who have used education as the platform to bring about social change as we prepare our students for "better times than ours" (from Christian Education, written in 1856 by Fr. Moreau).
In last week's blog I talked about the theme of Being Family as we welcomed our newest students and their families to our school. This week, the theme of Building Respect is one that resonates with me. In an interview that I participated in with our 2012-2013 Student Council President, Kosi Dunn, when asked what we liked most about Bishop McNamara and what we hope to build upon this year, the theme of our mutually respectful environment came up. In Kosi's words (and I am paraphrasing), "What I like most about McNamara is that we are a school in which everyone respects one another. Regardless of where someone comes from, the color of their skin, their religion, whether they are an introvert or an extrovert, rich or poor, a dancer or an athlete, an actor or scholar, liberal or conservative, Bishop McNamara embraces all types and celebrates each person's uniqueness." Talk about social change!!! Think about what society was like when you were in school some years ago. I am so inspired by today's youth in that they have found and developed ways to break down barriers that separate us and instead have built bridges to create mutuality and a common ground. Some might call it tolerance for differences, others may say its a celebration of diversity. What I call it is social justice. Its just right and its who were are called to be. Virtually every religion espouses a sense of mutual respect and love for all people. We know as Christians that each of us is created in the likeness and image of God with inherent goodness, the ability to create, and the desire to love and to be loved and to make a difference in this world. If we can agree on that basic principle, then we can change the world, rid it of bigotry and hatred, abolish cliques and bullying, and celebrate the fact that what we have in common is our uniqueness.
Over. the years I have watched all types of students flourish in the environment and culture that we create at Bishop McNamara yet I know we are not perfect and that we still have a long way to go in this regard. But with the efforts and leadership of people like Kosi Dunn we can change the world!! So as you progress through your week this week I challenge you to actively consider ways that you can build a more respectful environment in your home, at school or work, in your neighborhood, and within yourself.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
On Being Family
Many readers of my blog know the four fundamental themes of Holy Cross education: Being Family, Building Respect, Educating Minds and Forming Hearts, and Bringing Hope. For the past 176 years, Holy Cross Brothers, Priests and Sisters have been providing this foundation in their educational missions and are present today in 14 countries spanning 5 continents. Hundreds of thousands of young people have been influenced by the teachings of Fr. Moreau as carried out by the lay and religious women and men that teach in our schools.
This topic of "Being Family" is one that struck a chord with me this past week as I spent a week away from my own family while attending a class for my doctoral program. Each night I lied in my quiet room, alone, missing my family, and thanked God for the wonderful family that I have...my wife and children, my parents, my brother, my aunts and uncles, my extended family, my friends, and of course, my Bishop McNamara family. It also dawned on me that many of our young alums are heading off to college, many leaving their families for the first time. I remember leaving my family to go to college. Oh the homesickness, I thought I'd never make it and oh did I want to quit and go home. But my family encouraged me, maybe even pushed me, and in due time I was ready to be on my own. It also made me think back to some of the things our past President, Mrs. Heather Gossart, used to say at the annual Baccalaureate Mass when we said farewell to our graduates as she quoted Jonas Salk and said that just like good parents, a school community gives their children roots and wings - roots to know where home is and wings to fly off and practice what has been taught them.
What are those things that have been taught? As our young people leave our homes and leave the "creature comforts" behind, get out of their comfort zones and begin the journey ahead of them, what do we hope they take with them? What are those things that we have sought to impart on them while living under our roofs? At Bishop McNamara we've sought to teach them personal responsibility, the ability to think creatively, analytically, and critically, the ability to lead, and the ability to communicate effectively. But we've taught them so much more than that too. We've hopefully taught them unconditional love, inspired in them the desire to stamp out injustices in the world, to respect all people regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, religion, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation. Most important, I hope we've taught them that they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them, and that to whom much is given much is required, and that just as was stated in Jeremiah 29:11-12: "Yes, I know what plans I have in mind for you, Yahweh declares, plans for peace, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. When you call to me and come and pray to me, I shall listen to you." For, as Mrs. Gossart always said, "The best is yet to come."
So as we bid farewell to the class of 2012 and send them off to college we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. You are well prepared and now it is time to go off and make a difference in this world. Remember always where you came for, be grateful to your family, pay it forward, and go out and do great things!!
As we send off this class of graduates, we also welcome to our family 227 new members of the class of 2016 and so the cycle begins for them as they begin the four year journey of high school. From their first day of orientation we will, with the grace of God, inform them of everything they should know and form them in the way of the Gospels, so that as they leave our doors four years from now they too will have the ability to transform the world!
This topic of "Being Family" is one that struck a chord with me this past week as I spent a week away from my own family while attending a class for my doctoral program. Each night I lied in my quiet room, alone, missing my family, and thanked God for the wonderful family that I have...my wife and children, my parents, my brother, my aunts and uncles, my extended family, my friends, and of course, my Bishop McNamara family. It also dawned on me that many of our young alums are heading off to college, many leaving their families for the first time. I remember leaving my family to go to college. Oh the homesickness, I thought I'd never make it and oh did I want to quit and go home. But my family encouraged me, maybe even pushed me, and in due time I was ready to be on my own. It also made me think back to some of the things our past President, Mrs. Heather Gossart, used to say at the annual Baccalaureate Mass when we said farewell to our graduates as she quoted Jonas Salk and said that just like good parents, a school community gives their children roots and wings - roots to know where home is and wings to fly off and practice what has been taught them.
What are those things that have been taught? As our young people leave our homes and leave the "creature comforts" behind, get out of their comfort zones and begin the journey ahead of them, what do we hope they take with them? What are those things that we have sought to impart on them while living under our roofs? At Bishop McNamara we've sought to teach them personal responsibility, the ability to think creatively, analytically, and critically, the ability to lead, and the ability to communicate effectively. But we've taught them so much more than that too. We've hopefully taught them unconditional love, inspired in them the desire to stamp out injustices in the world, to respect all people regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, religion, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation. Most important, I hope we've taught them that they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them, and that to whom much is given much is required, and that just as was stated in Jeremiah 29:11-12: "Yes, I know what plans I have in mind for you, Yahweh declares, plans for peace, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. When you call to me and come and pray to me, I shall listen to you." For, as Mrs. Gossart always said, "The best is yet to come."
So as we bid farewell to the class of 2012 and send them off to college we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. You are well prepared and now it is time to go off and make a difference in this world. Remember always where you came for, be grateful to your family, pay it forward, and go out and do great things!!
As we send off this class of graduates, we also welcome to our family 227 new members of the class of 2016 and so the cycle begins for them as they begin the four year journey of high school. From their first day of orientation we will, with the grace of God, inform them of everything they should know and form them in the way of the Gospels, so that as they leave our doors four years from now they too will have the ability to transform the world!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Inspiration
I know, its been more than a month since my last post, but with the new school year right around the corner I'm committed to doing this more regularly. As you know, so much of my job consists of interacting with BMHS and LR alumni while either on the road or right here at home. I am always so inspired by what they have to say about their alma mater so I thought I'd share a few with you.
A few weeks ago while visiting family and alumni in Charlotte, NC I had a phone conversation with Dr. Tom Burns, '90. Dr. Burns holds his undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, was an all-American football player and won college football's highest award presented to the top student-athlete in college football. Today he is the President of a thriving and successful broadband cable company in Aiken, SC, a proud husband, and father. He said to me that the foundation of his education was set at McNamara. It was there that he was inspired and challenged to become his best and it was there that he encountered his best teachers. While he loved his days at UVA and had some great professors there, he credited BMHS for being the place that planted the seeds of academic rigor, intellectual curiosity and the drive to succeed.
A few weeks later we received a visit from 2nd Lt. Meghan Prinkey, '08 who is a recent graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and will be leaving in a few weeks to begin her studies in astronautical engineering at MIT. Meghan had the opportunity to speak to the Project PRIDE students attending summer school and credited Bishop McNamara for giving her an "enthusiasm for learning." She also encouraged the students to get involved in the life of the school and to ask teachers for help when you need it.
In the same week we received a visit from Cameron Chism '08, a recent University of Maryland graduate and a free agent with the Indianapolis Colts. Cameron left just a few days ago for camp with the Colts so be sure to keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Cameron talked about how he learned his work ethic and developed himself not only academically but also spiritually and personally as a man of faith and integrity. We are so proud of Cam and know that even though he is now a Colt, he considers himself always a Mustang! Follow Cam on twitter @CamChism.
And just last week I received the most inspirational email and video from Dr. Scott Drew, '79. Dr. Drew is a dermatologist in Northern Ohio who earlier this year worked with a philanthropy called Free the Children and opened a Dermatology clinic in Narok South, in rural Kenya. Be sure to take a few moments and watch the inspirational video that Scott is in about his work in Kenya. In Dr. Drew's words, "It was a privilege and I learned so much from these wonderful people. Free the children put a video of our efforts on a website--passiontoheal.com, it's a little over 4 minutes, and highlights the people, the volunteers and the diseases endemic to the area. I mention this to you because BMHS has a long history of instilling in its students the life value of service learning; I know I am one of many alums who's lives are continually influenced by the traditions of BMHS." We very much look forward to welcoming Dr. Drew back to his alma mater during Alumni Weekend September 7, 8 & 9 where he will address the senior class and share more about his experiences in Kenya.
So to each of these special individuals and the countless more of you out there who have been inspired in some way by the unique mission and ministry at Bishop McNamara and La Reine High Schools and the special teachers who make a difference, I say thank you! Thank you for carrying forth the mission of Being Family, Building Respect, Educating Hearts and Minds, and Bringing Hope through your words, actions and personal witness. You are an inspiration!
A few weeks ago while visiting family and alumni in Charlotte, NC I had a phone conversation with Dr. Tom Burns, '90. Dr. Burns holds his undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, was an all-American football player and won college football's highest award presented to the top student-athlete in college football. Today he is the President of a thriving and successful broadband cable company in Aiken, SC, a proud husband, and father. He said to me that the foundation of his education was set at McNamara. It was there that he was inspired and challenged to become his best and it was there that he encountered his best teachers. While he loved his days at UVA and had some great professors there, he credited BMHS for being the place that planted the seeds of academic rigor, intellectual curiosity and the drive to succeed.
A few weeks later we received a visit from 2nd Lt. Meghan Prinkey, '08 who is a recent graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and will be leaving in a few weeks to begin her studies in astronautical engineering at MIT. Meghan had the opportunity to speak to the Project PRIDE students attending summer school and credited Bishop McNamara for giving her an "enthusiasm for learning." She also encouraged the students to get involved in the life of the school and to ask teachers for help when you need it.
In the same week we received a visit from Cameron Chism '08, a recent University of Maryland graduate and a free agent with the Indianapolis Colts. Cameron left just a few days ago for camp with the Colts so be sure to keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Cameron talked about how he learned his work ethic and developed himself not only academically but also spiritually and personally as a man of faith and integrity. We are so proud of Cam and know that even though he is now a Colt, he considers himself always a Mustang! Follow Cam on twitter @CamChism.
And just last week I received the most inspirational email and video from Dr. Scott Drew, '79. Dr. Drew is a dermatologist in Northern Ohio who earlier this year worked with a philanthropy called Free the Children and opened a Dermatology clinic in Narok South, in rural Kenya. Be sure to take a few moments and watch the inspirational video that Scott is in about his work in Kenya. In Dr. Drew's words, "It was a privilege and I learned so much from these wonderful people. Free the children put a video of our efforts on a website--passiontoheal.com, it's a little over 4 minutes, and highlights the people, the volunteers and the diseases endemic to the area. I mention this to you because BMHS has a long history of instilling in its students the life value of service learning; I know I am one of many alums who's lives are continually influenced by the traditions of BMHS." We very much look forward to welcoming Dr. Drew back to his alma mater during Alumni Weekend September 7, 8 & 9 where he will address the senior class and share more about his experiences in Kenya.
So to each of these special individuals and the countless more of you out there who have been inspired in some way by the unique mission and ministry at Bishop McNamara and La Reine High Schools and the special teachers who make a difference, I say thank you! Thank you for carrying forth the mission of Being Family, Building Respect, Educating Hearts and Minds, and Bringing Hope through your words, actions and personal witness. You are an inspiration!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
The Gift of Giving
Prom, graduation, last day of school for students, Faculty
and Staff end of year luncheon, presenting scholarships at 8th grade graduations, the Caritas Awards, these are all events that line my calendar to
let me know another year has come to a close. Yet, there is another date that comes
up this time of year as well. This date and its significance give some a sense of
unease and panic. I am referring to June 30th, the last day to give a financial contribution to the school for this fiscal year.
There are many that love to talk to me about McNamara and
all the things we are, the things we are doing, and all that we would like to do in the future. But when the subject of money comes
up, people begin to get nervous thinking that I want to reach into their
wallets and that all the school sees is dollar signs. When this situation arises
I consider it a teachable moment. Giving
is important not simply for the money raised but the message that it sends and
the ownership it creates. When you give
back to the school, it lets us and the community as a whole know that you value
and believe in what we are doing here and that you want to see the school grow
and prosper. Your investment has an effect on you as well. When we give money
to something we are interested in what happens to that money, how it is used and
what your return on investment is. Alums, Parents and Friends of the school that
give stay connected to the school. They become a part of the active community
and are key stakeholders that help shape the direction and vision of the school.
Each gift, regardless of size, is important. I remember way back in 1986 when I made my first
gift. It was only $5 but it felt so good to give back to a place that had given so much to me. Even at a young age I understood that investing in my school and helping to advance its mission was important. I gave because of all the wonderful experiences and phenomenal
teachers I had at McNamara. I gave because the work of the Brothers of Holy Cross made a difference in my life! Today, 27 years later, what drives me to continue to give are all of the incredible and dedicated students that walk our halls. As I often say to people, I feel like I have the best job in the world because I get a chance to share in this important phase of a young person's life journey, to watch them grow, and to watch them be transformed by the gifted teachers that still grace our classrooms and the wonderful mission of the Brothers of Holy Cross...just as I was. So to my students of today, I am investing in you and want to ensure that
you will have the same opportunities I had and more. Readers of this blog, I hope you will do the same because our kids are worth it!!
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Celebrations
Welcome to the end of another great school year (or almost the end of the school year)! Regardless of our age, occupation, or station in life, the onset of the warmer weather,
longer days and numerous celebrations of graduations, spring and summer
weddings, proms, confirmation ceremonies and back yard barbeques generally
warms our hearts, relaxes our minds, and gives us cause to enjoy the moment. Think back to your own years in school. Who didn’t count down the days to summer
vacation? Who doesn’t recall those final
days with friends prior to graduation?
Who doesn’t think fondly about the moments and memories of the special
occasions in which friends and family gathered in fellowship to celebrate life,
love, family and accomplishments.
While there are many kinds of celebrations that we
experience in our lives, my favorite type of celebration is that
that recognizes achievement, particularly the type that represents sustained and
consistent effort, perseverance, overcoming adversity, enduring hardship, and
accomplishing a goal or set of goals that demanded hard work. The noted essayist Sydney Smith stated, “The
thing about performance is that it is a celebration of the fact that we do contain
within ourselves infinite possibilities.”
One of the things I love about working in a school is that over the
course of a four year period of time we have the chance to share in the growth
process with young people who often enter our school as timid, insecure and
unsure adolescent boys and girls and leave our doors four years later as
confident, strong, focused men and women who are ready and able to tackle the
challenges that life has in front of them.
Every year these students of ours enter Bishop McNamara as boys and
girls filled with hopes and dreams and leave us upon graduation as men and
women who we hope have discovered within themselves the realm of infinite
possibilities with the confidence and the foundation to become people of
influence in society.
What I love in particular about being a Holy Cross school,
is that, as Fr. Basil Anthony Moreau, founder of the Congregation of Holy
Cross, commanded of us as educators to “shrink from no sacrifice, to teach our
students everything that they should know, and to prepare them to be good
citizens not only in this world but in heaven as well.” For Holy Cross educators, the kind of
preparation we do is to prepare our students not only to be successful, but to
live with significance!
I am
so proud of the fact that 99% of the graduating class of 2012 at Bishop McNamara will be attending
some of the finest colleges and universities in the nation and have received in
excess of $16 million in scholarships, grant and aid to college. Equally as important and impressive is that
two members of this class will spend a post-graduate year involved in ministry
overseas and through AmeriCorps, and that collectively this class accumulated
more than 25,000 hours of service to the poor and disenfranchised not only in
the local community but all over the world.
Truly these graduates of this authentically Holy Cross school have
learned and lived the pillars of Holy Cross.
Truly these graduates have embraced Fr. Moreau’s dream to “make God
known, loved and served.”
Often when I am in conversations with people and the question of my occupation comes up, when I let them know I work with high school students the response is often the same, "What's going on with these kids today?" "Aren't kids today lazy and apathetic?" "That must be a tough job, kids today just aren't the same as they used to be." Well, I would have to agree with this last statement, kids aren't today what they used to be. What I find is that in many ways they are way ahead of the previous generations. Certainly they are way ahead of the generation I grew up in that was suffered so greatly from "me-itis." I find today's young people to be more compassionate and understanding of individual differences. They possess a world-view that I know my generation certainly did not possess. They embrace different cultures, races, religions, nationalities, etc. and while we have not yet "arrived" as a society, I see so much of the hatred and bigotry that plagued our nation's history not as strongly visible with today's youth. They recognize the needs of others and have a sense of responsibility to help the less fortunate. They are more socially competent (even though old school people like me think that electronic communication, i.e., Facebook, Twitter and text messaging are pseudo means of communicating) and their networks are more vast. Yes, there are problems too. There is such thing as over-exposure and reliance upon electronics that may impede their growth as critical thinkers. We are also raising a generation of young people that are coddled and protected and sometimes don't know the meaning of hard work, self-discovery, and tough love. These are areas that we have to collectively work on...as teachers, as parents, as employers, as mentors. Overall, however, I have to say just how inspired I am by today's generation of young people because they possess a greater ability to look outside of themselves. Growing up as a child of the '70s and '80s I can't say the same for myself. This is something I've learned from teachers like the ones we have at Bishop McNamara and from the students we interact with every day.
So as we come to the close of this school year let's do so with a sense of gratitude for the young people in our lives, a sense of obligation to help them in their formation process, and a sense of hope that they will lead our world to bigger and better places in the future.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
As we near the graduation season, every year we hear messages about going on a journey. I recall the speeches that my predecessor, Mrs. Heather Gossart, used to give at the annual Baccalaureate Mass about what to pack when going on the journey beyond high school. I also reflect on the many classical novels that our students read during their time at McNamara about journeys. Whether Don Quixote, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Canterbury Tales, The Longest Journey, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance or 2001: A Space Odyssey, each of these "journey" novels often focus on transformation, redemption and psychological victories of perseverance and overcoming doubt and insecurity. With graduation now just a few weeks away my ears have been particularly attuned to lessons learned from the journey. For our graduates, the journey they've been on to this point steps into overdrive as they venture into the vast world of the unknown and away from the comforts of their homes and their loving school community. Every year I find myself surrounded by the mixed emotions that our young people face...excitement and optimism combined with fear and a sense of insecurity. They will soon find out that the greatest distance they will travel in the years ahead will be the distance between their ears and in their hearts.
One such journey message I heard this week came from an extraordinarily honest and humble speaker at our 11th annual Mother Son Brunch. Mr. Joseph Garcia, a retired Lt. Col. in the Air Force, three time CFO, teacher and author of the book The Leaders Pyramid: A Balanced and Consistent Approach to Leadership, spoke about the journey and the "travelers" you'll pick up along the way. Two such travelers that he talked about are pride and humility. With obvious tension existing between the two, Mr. Garcia urged our young men to avoid "being full of yourselves." He used the analogy of a blowfish that expands from a small fish to a larger, fully blown fish that looks like it has no more room in it. Being "puffed up," Mr. Garcia warned, leaves no room for other people and leaves no room for God. Wow!! How about that for a vivid imagery! Rather, Mr. Garcia encouraged our students to embrace the traveler known as humility. To remain humble, put others first, and to serve a greater cause than our own should be a mantra for us to live by. Highlighting his talk with personal and transparent examples, Mr. Garcia's message was a clear one...no matter what kind of success you have in life, don't be too full of yourself! That's a great message for all of us to live by!!
I also had the good pleasure this week to learn "Ten Lessons for the Journey" from the Bishop McNamara Combined Choir. In a wonderfully inspirational way, one by one students stepped to the podium between songs to share these lessons with the audience:
Leonardo da Vinci once stated that, "Wisdom is the daughter of experience." I feel like I grow wiser every day as a result of the experiences I have with people like Joe Garcia and the students in our Combined Choir. I also often ponder the fact that I have the greatest job in the world because I get to experience God's grace every day through the living witness of the people He brings into my life. While I know that I am still on a journey and will be until I meet my maker in Heaven, I am grateful to have the travel mates in my life that help to make me a better person along the way.
One such journey message I heard this week came from an extraordinarily honest and humble speaker at our 11th annual Mother Son Brunch. Mr. Joseph Garcia, a retired Lt. Col. in the Air Force, three time CFO, teacher and author of the book The Leaders Pyramid: A Balanced and Consistent Approach to Leadership, spoke about the journey and the "travelers" you'll pick up along the way. Two such travelers that he talked about are pride and humility. With obvious tension existing between the two, Mr. Garcia urged our young men to avoid "being full of yourselves." He used the analogy of a blowfish that expands from a small fish to a larger, fully blown fish that looks like it has no more room in it. Being "puffed up," Mr. Garcia warned, leaves no room for other people and leaves no room for God. Wow!! How about that for a vivid imagery! Rather, Mr. Garcia encouraged our students to embrace the traveler known as humility. To remain humble, put others first, and to serve a greater cause than our own should be a mantra for us to live by. Highlighting his talk with personal and transparent examples, Mr. Garcia's message was a clear one...no matter what kind of success you have in life, don't be too full of yourself! That's a great message for all of us to live by!!
I also had the good pleasure this week to learn "Ten Lessons for the Journey" from the Bishop McNamara Combined Choir. In a wonderfully inspirational way, one by one students stepped to the podium between songs to share these lessons with the audience:
- You must know where you've been to get where you're going
- Define your goal
- Equip yourself
- Let go of the past
- Get connected, stay connected
- Seek wisdom
- Talk to God
- Practice perseverance
- See yourself in the future
- Remember to say thank you
Leonardo da Vinci once stated that, "Wisdom is the daughter of experience." I feel like I grow wiser every day as a result of the experiences I have with people like Joe Garcia and the students in our Combined Choir. I also often ponder the fact that I have the greatest job in the world because I get to experience God's grace every day through the living witness of the people He brings into my life. While I know that I am still on a journey and will be until I meet my maker in Heaven, I am grateful to have the travel mates in my life that help to make me a better person along the way.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
This week's post is based on lessons learned through math and chemistry. Now, now, don't stop reading if you are turned off by these subjects as I am hoping you'll like what I learned through the course of my week this past week. By the way, I too never loved math or science, although I definitely recognize the relevance in our daily lives unlike the students who say, "Why do we need to know this?" As early as our early primary school years we begin to learn addition and subtraction. The most basic is 1 + 1 = 2. Correct? Well, this past week I was introduced to the idea that sometimes 1 + 1 = 3. This thought was presented to me by one of our students when he was describing the impact of two people working together. The point was, if individuals can put aside their own egos and focus on a common cause and mission, then their combined efforts can be 1 + 1 = 3. On the other hand, when two people are unable to put their own self interests aside and focus on the larger goal then 1 + 1 doesn't even equal 1. He put it another way. If two people are rowing in a boat and they're not rowing together then they just spin in circles. How about that from a lesson taught to the school President from a student.
I think this also says a little about chemistry. The chemistry of a team is so important. The next lesson I learned came from observing one of our sports teams. People working together with a common cause and mission who are unselfish, team oriented, and place their own goals and needs aside, can achieve greatness. We've seen it on championship teams. There is usually a catalyst, or more than one catalyst, that creates the spark...that brings out the best in others...the rising tide that raises all ships. On the other hand, there can also be those selfish individuals who also create a spark, but this time a negative reaction that drains the energy and focus of the team and might even create an explosive environment. Lesson learned...be the positive spark, the catalyst, the unselfish team player who puts the mission of the whole ahead of him or her self. Recognize that we are all interdependent on one another and that our actions create a ripple effect that we may never know. Bethe rising tide that raises all ships.
Speaking of being a rising tide, I also learned a great lesson in math and chemistry this week from an encounter I had with one of the most inspirational people I have ever met, a true hero, Mr. Ted Schwab. Mr. Schwab is the co-founder of an organization in DC called Capital Partners for Education. From their website we learn that since 1993, CPE has provided nearly 400 students with viable alternatives to low-performing public schools. Seventy-six percent of CPE students graduate from high school in four years and enroll in college — compared to 29 percent of Washington’s public school students. Of CPE graduates, 99 percent have enrolled in college. Most are the first in their families to attend college. A recent study of the educational outcomes of CPE alumni found that 73% of CPE students graduate college within six years. In the 2011-2012 school year, CPE serves 113 students in 21 partner high schools. I first met Mr. Schwab in 1999 when we were working together with a student at McNamara sponsored by Capital Partners. Not only was Mr. Schwab the founder of the organization but he also was personally supporting this young man's education financially and served as his mentor, a role he took very seriously. This young man was clearly on the way out of our school. Poor behavior, failing grades and an equally bad attitude. Six teachers, a counselor, his coach, Mr. Schwab and his mother pulled together an action plan and gave this young man another chance. That intervention proved to be all that he needed. This young man went on to be a leader in the school, captain of his team, a Peer Minister and later went to college on a full scholarship. So here's some math and chemistry for you again: 2 people with a dream to help low income youth in the Washington area gain better access to the high-quality education that would make a real difference in their lives, 19 years later has grown exponentially to now having served more than 400 students with 113 more on the way in 2012-2013. How about that for exponential growth? How about that for making a difference!
My final math and chemistry lesson of the week came this past Friday at the 27th annual Mustang Cup Golf Tournament in Memory of Phil Terry. Check out these numbers and see if you can find the pattern: 6, 43, 350, 152, 20, 55000. In 1986 there were 6 McNamara graduates who came up with the dream to start a golf tournament to support financial aid for students and their families. That first year there were 43 golfers and the tournament lost $350 (the tournament actually broke even in the books but we know it was the generosity of one of the six that brought it to zero). So much for success. But they plowed ahead and today there are literally thousands of students who have benefited from the generosity of the golfers, sponsors and advertisers of this annual tournament. This past Friday the tournament fielded its largest turnout ever, 152 golfers whose combined efforts along with the generosity of more than 20 sponsors helped to raise $55,000--all for the cause of helping students in need. One Board member was quoted as saying after the event, "What a great way to have fun, make money and make a difference!"
So there it is, just a few math and chemistry examples to get us thinking as we prepare for the week ahead. The common thread in each of these is, of course, people. People with a dream and vision to make a difference in this world. People who have the ability to set aside egos and selfish needs to focus on others and a larger mission and cause. People who are willing to share their gifts and are willing to sacrifice for others so that they too can receive a quality education and have a chance to be leaders in life and society. People who "pay it forward" so that others can fulfill their God-given potential. My goal for our McNamara students is that they too will grow to be like these people. Leaders in life who add and multiply instead of subtract and divide. The catalyst that starts a revolution for change...change based on the Gospels with a focus on bringing hope to a world that so desperately needs it.
So I finish this blog with two simple but meaningful words for all those who set the example for us and have made a difference in at least one other person's life, THANK YOU!
I think this also says a little about chemistry. The chemistry of a team is so important. The next lesson I learned came from observing one of our sports teams. People working together with a common cause and mission who are unselfish, team oriented, and place their own goals and needs aside, can achieve greatness. We've seen it on championship teams. There is usually a catalyst, or more than one catalyst, that creates the spark...that brings out the best in others...the rising tide that raises all ships. On the other hand, there can also be those selfish individuals who also create a spark, but this time a negative reaction that drains the energy and focus of the team and might even create an explosive environment. Lesson learned...be the positive spark, the catalyst, the unselfish team player who puts the mission of the whole ahead of him or her self. Recognize that we are all interdependent on one another and that our actions create a ripple effect that we may never know. Bethe rising tide that raises all ships.
Speaking of being a rising tide, I also learned a great lesson in math and chemistry this week from an encounter I had with one of the most inspirational people I have ever met, a true hero, Mr. Ted Schwab. Mr. Schwab is the co-founder of an organization in DC called Capital Partners for Education. From their website we learn that since 1993, CPE has provided nearly 400 students with viable alternatives to low-performing public schools. Seventy-six percent of CPE students graduate from high school in four years and enroll in college — compared to 29 percent of Washington’s public school students. Of CPE graduates, 99 percent have enrolled in college. Most are the first in their families to attend college. A recent study of the educational outcomes of CPE alumni found that 73% of CPE students graduate college within six years. In the 2011-2012 school year, CPE serves 113 students in 21 partner high schools. I first met Mr. Schwab in 1999 when we were working together with a student at McNamara sponsored by Capital Partners. Not only was Mr. Schwab the founder of the organization but he also was personally supporting this young man's education financially and served as his mentor, a role he took very seriously. This young man was clearly on the way out of our school. Poor behavior, failing grades and an equally bad attitude. Six teachers, a counselor, his coach, Mr. Schwab and his mother pulled together an action plan and gave this young man another chance. That intervention proved to be all that he needed. This young man went on to be a leader in the school, captain of his team, a Peer Minister and later went to college on a full scholarship. So here's some math and chemistry for you again: 2 people with a dream to help low income youth in the Washington area gain better access to the high-quality education that would make a real difference in their lives, 19 years later has grown exponentially to now having served more than 400 students with 113 more on the way in 2012-2013. How about that for exponential growth? How about that for making a difference!
My final math and chemistry lesson of the week came this past Friday at the 27th annual Mustang Cup Golf Tournament in Memory of Phil Terry. Check out these numbers and see if you can find the pattern: 6, 43, 350, 152, 20, 55000. In 1986 there were 6 McNamara graduates who came up with the dream to start a golf tournament to support financial aid for students and their families. That first year there were 43 golfers and the tournament lost $350 (the tournament actually broke even in the books but we know it was the generosity of one of the six that brought it to zero). So much for success. But they plowed ahead and today there are literally thousands of students who have benefited from the generosity of the golfers, sponsors and advertisers of this annual tournament. This past Friday the tournament fielded its largest turnout ever, 152 golfers whose combined efforts along with the generosity of more than 20 sponsors helped to raise $55,000--all for the cause of helping students in need. One Board member was quoted as saying after the event, "What a great way to have fun, make money and make a difference!"
So there it is, just a few math and chemistry examples to get us thinking as we prepare for the week ahead. The common thread in each of these is, of course, people. People with a dream and vision to make a difference in this world. People who have the ability to set aside egos and selfish needs to focus on others and a larger mission and cause. People who are willing to share their gifts and are willing to sacrifice for others so that they too can receive a quality education and have a chance to be leaders in life and society. People who "pay it forward" so that others can fulfill their God-given potential. My goal for our McNamara students is that they too will grow to be like these people. Leaders in life who add and multiply instead of subtract and divide. The catalyst that starts a revolution for change...change based on the Gospels with a focus on bringing hope to a world that so desperately needs it.
So I finish this blog with two simple but meaningful words for all those who set the example for us and have made a difference in at least one other person's life, THANK YOU!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Since the first of the year of my Presidency at McNamara I have had the
opportunity to travel to several cities to meet with alumni and alumnae
from both Bishop McNamara and La Reine. My visits this year have included New
York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Austin and
Dallas, TX. We have also hosted several happy hours at locations in the
Maryland/DC/Virginia area and even held a reception for young alums
attending the University of Maryland at College Park. I always return from these trips inspired and
invigorated by the life and careers that our alums are leading. From reminiscing about the past to talking about the present and
future of Bishop McNamara, it is clear to me that graduates from
McNamara and La Reine are grateful for the impact the school has had on
them and are excited about the future opportunities available to our
students today. I am so inspired by how many of our
alums have taken the valuable lessons they learned during their years in
school and have made it their life's passion to carry those lessons
forward. From running a private academy with a focus on social
justice to teaching college students ethical responses to today's
challenges, from aiding third world nations in their economic
development efforts to counseling at-risk youth, and from running
successful businesses to becoming a world renowned author/creator/movie
producer, our graduates are truly making a difference in this world!
During my most recent trip to Dallas and Austin, TX, I had the opportunity to meet with Tim Byrne '75 President & CEO of U.S. Lime & Minerals, Inc. as well as Greg Schaub '78, Executive Vice President with CHASE Paymentech. In Austin, I met up with George Glaser from our first graduating class, '67, who is a noted psychotherapist in the Austin area as well as Dr. Patricia Shields LR '69 who is a a Professor of Political Science and Director of the Master of Public Administration Program at Texas State University. She is also the current editor of the journal Armed Forces & Society. Dr. Shields is notable for her publications focusing on research methods, civil-military relations, gender issues, and the importance of classical pragmatism in public administration.
On my recent trip to Boston, MA, I had the opportunity to meet up with Father Kevin Spicer, '83 C.S.C. who is the history department chair at Stonehill College, also founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross. Wow, Fr. Kevin Spicer is quite an impressive individual. He is a committed Catholic educator who is a living testimony to Holy Cross education which emphasizes that the mind must not be cultivated at the expense of the heart. I also had the chance to meet with Father Larry Jerge, C.S.C. who served as the Campus Minister at McNamara from 1981-1985. That was an awesome visit! Fr. Larry had such an enormous impact on my life when I was a student at McNamara.
I also traveled to Nashua, New Hampshire to meet with Kathy Hoffman Nelson LR '69, founder and executive director of The World Academy, an award winning private school which educates students from six-weeks through eighth grade. I found this visit to be extremely inspirational! Kathy is doing such wonderful work in preparing her students to be leaders in the 21st century. She also pointed out that much of the philosophy that the school is based on traces to her roots with the Bernadine Sisters at La Reine with a special emphasis on social justice, diversity, globalization, inquiry-based learning and progressive education.
Later in the week I had the opportunity to meet with Jeff Kinney '89, author and executive producer of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid book and movie series. Remaining ever humble, Jeff credits his teachers for allowing him to develop his creative abilities and the opportunities presented to him at Bishop McNamara. A world-renowned author and movie producer, Jeff's humble and gracious approach to his success is vintage Holy Cross. Jeff is truly a great tribute to his family, his teachers and to the Brothers of Holy Cross. Finally, I closed out my evening with a happy hour in Boston in which he met with Bob Korycansky '71, John Baer '89, Kathy Shaughnessy LR '85, former Religion teacher from 2006-2008 "Cappy" Russell, and former Campus Minister from 2007-2010 Jodi Dean.
I am putting together my travel schedule for next year and am currently planning return trips to Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Austin and Dallas and has added a trip to Houston, TX. If you'd like for me to visit a city near you and would love to network with other La Reine and McNamara alums in your area please send us an email.
Meeting with alums provides me with so many teachable moments...not the least of which how important it is to always remember where we come from and to pursue life with a passion!
During my most recent trip to Dallas and Austin, TX, I had the opportunity to meet with Tim Byrne '75 President & CEO of U.S. Lime & Minerals, Inc. as well as Greg Schaub '78, Executive Vice President with CHASE Paymentech. In Austin, I met up with George Glaser from our first graduating class, '67, who is a noted psychotherapist in the Austin area as well as Dr. Patricia Shields LR '69 who is a a Professor of Political Science and Director of the Master of Public Administration Program at Texas State University. She is also the current editor of the journal Armed Forces & Society. Dr. Shields is notable for her publications focusing on research methods, civil-military relations, gender issues, and the importance of classical pragmatism in public administration.
On my recent trip to Boston, MA, I had the opportunity to meet up with Father Kevin Spicer, '83 C.S.C. who is the history department chair at Stonehill College, also founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross. Wow, Fr. Kevin Spicer is quite an impressive individual. He is a committed Catholic educator who is a living testimony to Holy Cross education which emphasizes that the mind must not be cultivated at the expense of the heart. I also had the chance to meet with Father Larry Jerge, C.S.C. who served as the Campus Minister at McNamara from 1981-1985. That was an awesome visit! Fr. Larry had such an enormous impact on my life when I was a student at McNamara.
I also traveled to Nashua, New Hampshire to meet with Kathy Hoffman Nelson LR '69, founder and executive director of The World Academy, an award winning private school which educates students from six-weeks through eighth grade. I found this visit to be extremely inspirational! Kathy is doing such wonderful work in preparing her students to be leaders in the 21st century. She also pointed out that much of the philosophy that the school is based on traces to her roots with the Bernadine Sisters at La Reine with a special emphasis on social justice, diversity, globalization, inquiry-based learning and progressive education.
Later in the week I had the opportunity to meet with Jeff Kinney '89, author and executive producer of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid book and movie series. Remaining ever humble, Jeff credits his teachers for allowing him to develop his creative abilities and the opportunities presented to him at Bishop McNamara. A world-renowned author and movie producer, Jeff's humble and gracious approach to his success is vintage Holy Cross. Jeff is truly a great tribute to his family, his teachers and to the Brothers of Holy Cross. Finally, I closed out my evening with a happy hour in Boston in which he met with Bob Korycansky '71, John Baer '89, Kathy Shaughnessy LR '85, former Religion teacher from 2006-2008 "Cappy" Russell, and former Campus Minister from 2007-2010 Jodi Dean.
I am putting together my travel schedule for next year and am currently planning return trips to Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Austin and Dallas and has added a trip to Houston, TX. If you'd like for me to visit a city near you and would love to network with other La Reine and McNamara alums in your area please send us an email.
Meeting with alums provides me with so many teachable moments...not the least of which how important it is to always remember where we come from and to pursue life with a passion!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Welcome to my new blog site. I call this site "teachable moments" because throughout my adult life working in education I have learned a variety of very valuable life lessons not only from my colleagues, teachers and coaches, but equally importantly from our students, their families, our alumni and from our faithful and loyal supporters. I awake each day and recognize that the day will be filled with teachable moments. Sometimes these moments come with good humor, others that are seemingly simple in our everyday dealings, and others yet from hardships. It's the latter that I learn the most from but find the most difficult. Working at a Holy Cross school which teaches us that the "Cross is our Only Hope" gives me reason for celebration in even those difficult teachable moments.
Throughout the course of this blog I hope to make you laugh and smile, bring warmth to your heart, and give you some things to think about which might also be teachable moments for you too. I am so blessed to work in a Catholic school in the Holy Cross tradition and I couldn't be more grateful for the people that God has placed in my life and for the many teachable moments He provides for me in my daily walk.
So enjoy the blog...or disregard it, whatever you choose. And thank you for being a blessing in my life!
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