Whenever I pass through the front hall and glance at Rita’s open door and see her pouring through her endless stream of emails, I recognize that GFS would be so much less of what we love and prize about ourselves without her; or, put the other way around, GFS has become better in every way because of her. I know I have.” –Jim Barron, Upper School Classics Teacher and Eleventh Grade Advisor Dear Rita, We first met more than 30 years ago when our children were students at GFS. While I could share many stories/anecdotes of our time together, I will just mention two, and then close with three quotes by my favorite poet and author, Maya Angelou. I vividly remember many of our administrative group meetings, from 1990-2000, when you, Michael Williamson, and I were part of the admin group and a comment would be made that either made no sense or was very insensitive. Simultaneously, and without looking at one another, our arms would cross over our bodies and we would give each other (what in today’s vernacular is) a “side eye.” Eventually, the arm crossing and side eyes lessened and we were better able to express our concerns and engage in positive and constructive dialogue and move forward.
As I searched through files, I came upon a photo of you and me from 1999 when we went to San Francisco to attend the NAIS People of Color Conference. (I must say we had far less gray in our hair back then.) At that time, you were the Director of Multicultural Affairs and I was the Lower School Vice Principal. During the conference, we were co-presenters of a workshop entitled, “Developing a Strategic Plan for Diversity.” If memory serves me correctly, the sessions were enthusiastically received. I know that throughout your years at GFS you have continued this most important work. “It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and strength." “I speak to the black experience, but I am always talking about the human condition.” “Don’t get older just to get wiser. If you get older, you will get wiser—if you dare. But get older because it’s fun!” —Maya Angelou Enjoy your well-earned and much-deserved retirement. May it be full of joy, sunshine, and fun. Smiles to you, Frannie Smith, former Lower School Vice Principal
Volume I 2017 |
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