EXCERPT
Community That Shines Brightly in Tough Times At the Senior Send-Off celebration, Head Monitor Elijah Gaines ’20 spoke of the values that Episcopal teaches, and the love for one another that it fosters.
As I was preparing these remarks, there was one quote that particularly struck me: “You never leave a place you love. Part of it you take with you, leaving part of you behind.” As I’ve pondered these words over the past week, I’ve found myself reflecting on the parts of Episcopal that we will take with us as we embark on our next journey.
We love each other. We support each other.
While there are so many ways in which I believe Episcopal has made its mark on each of our lives, I’ve focused on a handful of values to underscore today. WE WILL TAKE WITH US A STEADFAST WORK ETHIC AND SELFLESS COMMITMENT TO OTHERS. Episcopal’s faculty and
staff are the quintessential models of these values. Think about the countless hours of extra help and tutorial in the classroom. The coaches driving to and from games in Richmond — and sometimes even farther. The faculty on dorm duty into the wee hours of the night. The dining hall staff, blizzard or sunshine, weekday or weekend, making sure we are fed and taken care of. The middle of the night trips to the Health Center. And just this spring, the genuine desire of the faculty and staff to provide the very best learning experiences, senior externships, May programming, and celebrations like the seniors’ last day of class, and this send-off this morning – all while juggling this tumultuous time period themselves. These are just a handful of examples of the faculty and staff giving of themselves without reserve. Their mentorship has been exceptional, and their modeling has been contagious. When I sit in Chapel and listen to the sensational musical talent of my peers, walk by Hummel Bowl and see teammates running sprints, listen to the announcements for service 6
Summer 2020
opportunities for an upcoming weekend, visit the Writing Center for an appointment, or head to the library on a Sunday afternoon, I recognize that this modeling has inspired an extraordinary work ethic and selflessness in each of us. WE WILL TAKE WITH US THE PHILOSOPHY TO LIVE WITH JOY AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY. It’s a value in terms
of wanting to live with that mindset. This type of mindset is celebrated and encouraged at Episcopal. Dorm games, Mass Meetings, Spirit Week, Woodberry, Seminary Hill Cup, Finals, May Day, weekend activities galore. When you randomly stop by to watch a volleyball game or basketball game and observe the students in the stands. That mundaneturned-hilarious night on dorm where a dance party breaks out or video game battle ensues. Or when the head monitor attempts a live game of Kahoot at Community Meeting. Living joy, finding joy — during our time here we learned that it’s a skill, a choice, a key ingredient for a balanced life and building strong relationships. WE WILL TAKE WITH US THE COURAGE TO SPEAK OUR MIND AND STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT. During our
time at Episcopal, we became more inclusive, more accepting, and more appreciative of each other’s diverse backgrounds and identities. We celebrated the 50th anniversary of integration at the School and acknowledged the need for more work to be done. We started to examine our institutional past, were challenged and educated by guest speakers, and navigated years of political divisiveness together. We listened to our peers bear their souls, fears, and innermost thoughts during Chapel talks that so many times brought us to our feet. We challenged each other when we acted in a disrespectful manner or when we disagreed. That is courage. And we value that as a community.
