From the Desk Of Dr. Autumn A. Graves

The Importance of Asking, “Why?”

As I reflect on the rhythm of life within our school community, I find myself returning to a simple yet profound question: Why?

It’s a word we hear on repeat from our youngest learners, and yet is also a favorite among lifelong learners.

In this moment in history, marked by deep societal divides and an epidemic of loneliness, the ability to ask “why” has never been more vital. The world our students will inherit is complex. Finding pathways to collaborate across differences and solve complex issues requires critical thinking, empathy, and curiosity. It requires muscle memory to pause and ask “why,” and the patience and empathy to listen deeply for understanding. And building these practices must begin as young as possible.

At St. Anne’s-Belfield School, we strive to nurture an environment where we cultivate curiosity, starting from the Early Childhood Program (page 4), the Lower School (page 5), and on up. Engaging diverse perspectives, cultures, identities, and practices is not only welcomed, but viewed as vital to academic excellence.

The richness of our community lies in our differences. It is only through respectful and rigorous discourse that we can achieve our mission of preparing students who are “strong in body, broad of mind, tender of heart, responsive in soul.” Civil civic discourse is essential for cultivating the kind of exemplary citizens who, per the aims of our Portrait of a 2036 Graduate, “pursue knowledge and wisdom to generate positive impact,” working to mend the divisions we see in the world today.

Our faculty and I are heartened by the curiosity, reflection, and perseverance we see in the young people in our care. Our students remind us of what is possible. Where we may see lines drawn between opposing sides, they see questions waiting to be explored. In this issue, you will see many examples of this, including students learning how to engage in constructive dialogue about politics (page 8), exploring the vital contributions of diverse voices (page 15) and deepening their commitment to the Civic Engagement Initiative (page 13).

Students’ innate desire to know more — about themselves, their peers, and the world — lights a potential way forward that we adults would benefit from following. I encourage us all to join our students in asking “why.” Why do we believe what we believe? Why might someone else see the world differently? And why does it matter that we listen deeply?

These are not rhetorical exercises; they are invitations to grow and connect — not only for the sake of our children, but for the broader world they will one day lead. The journey toward a more civil and connected society begins here, with us, and with the small but profound act of asking, “why.”

Thank you for being part of this extraordinary community. Together, I am confident we are preparing our students to not only face the future, but to shape it with courage, empathy, and a commitment to the greater good.

Contributors

Publisher

St. Anne’s-Belfield School

Editor

Lisa Ha

Art Director

Taylor Morris ’19

Photography

Kelsey Dowling, Erika Phillips, Cecilia Yu ’24, Digital Minerva, St. Anne’sBelfield faculty and staff

Editorial Contributors

Dr. Autumn A. Graves; Lisa Ha; Amaya Mitchell (WVIR); Patrick Orr, P. ’38; Bob Troy; AKCG

Senior Administrative Leadership Team (SALT)

Dr. Autumn A. Graves, P. ’33 & ’35

Head of School

Randie Benedict

Associate Head of School

Lisa Ha, P. ’29 & ’39

Chief Communications Officer

Lisa Keeler, P. ’15 & ’16

Head of the Lower School

Seth Kushkin, P. ’24 & ’25

Director of Athletics

Beth Miller, P. ’22 & ’25

Head of the Upper School

Marie Reed, P. ’27 & ’30

Head of the Middle School

Tim Stutzman

Chief Operating and Financial Officer

Pam Winthrop

Chief Advancement Officer