Shoutouts (From All of You) to Members of the Black Community

from All of You

Amanda Gorman — I admire Amanda Gorman’s gift for poetry and the hope she both verbalized and embodied when she performed her poem, “The Hill We Climb,” at the 2021 inauguration ceremony. Her talent in writing, especially at such a young age, makes her an artistic inspiration to me, and her art uplifts this country by representing a new era where we strive to elevate many different voices and experiences.

Mr. Trã Nicholson — Mr. Nicholson brings joy to his work and everyone around him. He is kind, patient, generous, and knowledgeable. His support of students from grades 5-12 makes a huge impact, and I am grateful that he is part of our community. r. Nicholson bri Ms joy to his work and everyone around him. He is kind, patient, generous, and knowledgeable. His support of students from grades 5-12 makes a huge impact, and I am grateful that he is part of our community.

Dr. Autumn Graves — Dr. Autumn Graves is a thoughtful, intellectual African American woman whose leadership and presence as a Head of School continues to model and inspire future African American leaders of the next generation.

Mr. Isaiah Fullen — Mr. Isaiah Fullen is a teacher in our pre-school, who brings smiles to the faces of children everyday. He has a special relationship with every child he teaches or coaches, because he takes the time to get to know them, listen to them, and show interest in their passions.

Jamez Johnson — Jamez is a great teammate on and off the court. Whenever I miss a shot he reassures me and tells me I should keep shooting the rock. At the start of the year, Jamez helped me find some of my classes because I missed orientation and he didn’t. [He is] everything you can look for in a great friend.

Nigel McLaughlin — Nigel is a great Saint! His chapel was so powerful and moving. He is a good and supportive friend who cares deeply. Nigel shows us all how kindness can make a difference.

A Tribe Called Quest — Being from a different country, their music introduced me to hip-hop. Their lyrics and social commentary educated me on the experience of being black in the US.

Ati’Aja C. — A quick wit, an even temper, cool under pressure, and a fine stage manager. So happy she is a member of the Saints community! I admire her ease and confidence.

Ms. Matilda Ferguson — Matilda is a POWERHOUSE. Matilda keeps this place running and looks out for all of our students and faculty. Thank you for caring about us and doing all that you do. Plus, I love our lunch-line banter.

Viola Davis —She is an actress icon that embodies Black excellence and is outstanding in every role she plays. She won two Academy Awards, a Primetime Emmy, and two Tony Awards. She is the first African-American to achieve a “Triple Crown of Acting.” She was on Time Magazine’s Top 100 Influential People in the World in 2012 and 2017.

Angel N. — When you are around her, you can talk to her about anything and there is endless laughter.

Cortez A. — Just a cool person.

Maddie R. — She is super positive, and, whenever I am having a bad day, she cheers me up in an instant. I look forward to her hugs, and her positivity always makes my day.

Desmond Tutu — He taught forgiveness. He sought for truth and reconciliation. And then, one day, when it all got too much for him, he wept.

Mr. Phil Stinnie — Mr. Stinnie is a gentle giant. He connects well with everyone and is truly a caring soul. I admire the way he keeps an eye on people that need him, without letting them know that he is watching. He seems to know you need him before you realize it yourself. I can’t say how important he is to the STAB community. Hats off to our Mr. Stinnie!

Ary B. — Ary is strong, funny, and beautiful! We are lucky to have her as part of our STAB community!

Khai D. — Khai is a talented musician and composer. He has a deep and thoughtful manner and is a good friend. I admire his ability to express himself through his music and look forward to hearing more. Khai, thank you for sharing your gifts with our community!

Rae Lewis-Thornton — She was the first African American woman to step forward into the public eye to announce that she was HIV positive. In 1994, with an prominent article in Essence magazine (the headline read: “I’m young, I’m educated, I’m drug-free, and I’m dying of AIDS.”), she helped change the public’s understanding of how HIV is transmitted, and her speaking engagements with teens likely saved lives.

Nasir M. — I think everyone should get to know Nasir, because he is funny, smart, and kind!

Katherine Johnson — One of the first African-American women to work as a NASA scientist, Katherine was a trailblazer for both women and people of color in the field of mathematics.

Ms. Indea Harris — Indea is a ball of light - her smile is contagious, her good humor uplifts those around her, and she cares so deeply. I feel so lucky to see her each day. Thank you for all that you do.

Brehanu B. — A natural leader, a powerful mind who is an excellent public speaker, and a very good friend. I admire Brehanu’s confidence and sense of humor. Brehanu, you will be missed next year and we know you will do great things in the world!

Octavia Butler — Octavia Butler was a trailblazer, not only as a Black writer, but also as a woman writer of science and horror fiction. She wrote creative, daring, heart-rending, terrifying, beautiful, and prescient stories. Though, she is considered to be a pillar in these genres whose authors are overwhelmingly white and male, her work transcends genre. She is not remembered enough.

Ms. Jill Mozee — Jill Mozee is the heart of the pre-school. She has contributed to this community in so many ways over the years and still maintains a positivity and willingness to help every day. She is resourceful, kind, and has a natural gift of working with young learners. The Learning Village is lucky to have her as a teacher and a parent for an Upper Schooler. I have the utmost admiration for Jill’s hard work and resilience, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. She certainly deserves to be celebrated!

Nia R. — Nia has shown amazing initiative and leadership in developing a Black History Month experience in the Upper School that is truly educational and engaging for everyone!

Noelle R. — SO kind, uniquely talented, and generous with her time and efforts. STAB will have some big holes to fill without her and Nia next year!