A Message from the Head of School Recognizing the Benefits of Examined Life Skills
At MFS, we like to think that we prepare our students to think and act globally, especially as communications, business and cultures cross paths so easily in our increasingly connected world. In this issue of Among Friends, you see our alumni in action on the global stage. You will read about alums that are doing great things on six of the world’s seven continents. These stories prompt me to think that a project involving an MFS graduate in Antarctica can’t be far off! One theme that resonates is the ability of our graduates to think critically. More than one of our “Global MFS” subjects speak about the value of the critical thinking they learned while at Moorestown Friends. It is gratifying to hear graduates recognize this as an enduring benefit of their MFS education. While we don’t necessarily expect our current students to recognize all the benefits they receive from our faculty and staff, we know from experience that, as they mature and gain perspective, they begin to realize what makes a Moorestown Friends School education unique. Certainly, academic rigor is everpresent and easy to recognize. However, the benefits of the many enduring skills – and values – gained from our Examined Life program are, like the power of Meeting for Worship, sometimes not immediately discernable to young people still in their school years. A recognition of the importance of critical thinking, resilience, and ethical decision making grows over time. These are the life skills and values that enable our graduates to do well, and to do good. To develop tough minds and tender hearts. I hope you enjoy reading about the important and meaningful work of our alumni around the world. We hope to see many of you on Alumni Weekend, May 4 and 5.
Warm Regards,
Larry Van Meter ’68 Head of School