The idea of a formal process to commence the year of leadership for seniors at Saint Edward’s School is certainly a brilliant tradition, and one that has been with our School for some time.
On a day like today, we reflect on the past for the class of 2011, and we have incredible hopes for this year’s future for all 61 of these seniors. These are the real student-leaders of our School, and I heard Mr. Wachter, at the rehearsal for this ceremony, address the seniors and say some very appropriate words. But the ones that resonated with me the most were the ones that alluded to this year is what you will make of it, regardless of what last year’s seniors did, or any class before you.
This year is your year! This is your chance to leave an indelible mark, in a positive way, on Saint Edward’s School, and what a unique and gift of time you do have at your disposal.
Don’t allow yourself too much time looking to the future at college, and forgetting about this precious year as seniors.
With the advent of being the oldest group of students on campus, PK through 12th grade, there are incredible number of opportunities to lead, to serve as role models, and indeed to celebrate Saint Edward’s School in terms of pride and love.
It is your time to lead, and certainly your time to serve this school community in ways yet not determined.
Yes, I have already heard great cheers at Friday night football from our senior-led student sections, and I must admit I love our Alma Mater recanted as a fight song at last week’s volleyball match.
But what else is in store for us at the School, led by our great seniors? How will you, as a senior class, make your mark in the annals of Saint Edward’s School lore?
All of those answers are yet to be determined, but I want you to know that I have enormous faith and pride in the class of 2011. What you will come to know about me is that I am a huge believer in senior leadership, whether on a team, a club, a class, and yes, a whole school.
Saint Edward’s School is all yours for the taking, but really great leaders give back much more than they take. And being a steward of this School simply means leaving a positive legacy and leaving a school community much better that you found it.
So the real questions are:
Are you ready to be great leaders?
Are you ready to advance the School in untold ways?
And indeed, are you ready to leave this School in May much better than you found it?
I want to leave you with a few words from Teddy Roosevelt, who is one of the very few and favorites I study the most in terms leadership profiles.
“Leaders should visibly love their people more than their positions – and prove their love through their actions.”
“Rather than seeking success, which is generally outside of one’s control, a leader should seek to deserve success.”
And one of my all-time favorites is:
“An individual’s ability to carry on in the face of calamitous adversity showcases critical leadership traits, including perseverance, self containment amidst circumstances, courage, perspective, and an ability to focus on the needs of others rather than oneself. Individuals who have mastered such challenges in their own lives are more apt to be viewed as leaders able to serve others.”
I wish for this class of 2011, the maturity, the poise, the wisdom, and the timing to serve this whole school community as leaders and as role models for the youngest three year olds on this campus, as well as the oldest adults; and for all to recognize the true gifts that the Class of 2011 has to offer.
Bless you all!
Mike Mersky, Head of School