H E A D M A S T E R ’ S
M E S S A G E
David Trower with Charity Cole A great school like Allen-Stevenson always looks to prepare its students for the future as vigorously as it can. However, the paradox we face is that, no matter how much we value the past and its curriculum, our fundamental task is to prepare boys for their future lives. Moreover, we want to inspire them to act to make a positive difference in the world. When we first envisioned this issue of the Lamplighter, it
125 Years:
seemed
only
appropriate
to
bookend
the
previous
Commemorative Issue, published last spring. We thought that
Educating Boys, Inspiring their Future
the sequel to this special edition, which celebrated AllenStevenson’s first 125 years from 1883 to 2008, should look to the next 125 years, even to the point of speculating about the future of the School, the City and the world. Because it is impossible to speak with authority about the future and what it holds, this plan came to seem presumptuous and preposterous,. As the joke goes, “If you want to give God a laugh, tell him your plans.” What emerged, however, was the theme of our 125th Anniversary celebration: educating boys, inspiring their future. The core of this slogan is that of making a difference. Last March I had the special opportunity to say a few words at the memorial service for Mr. Desmond Cole, my predecessor. What a difference he made to the School as it is today! Mr. Cole
4
F
A L L
2008