In different arenas, we are already anticipating the 2009-10 school year. Summer reading offerings are set, rosters for off-campus programs are coming together, and we're are electing student leadership. Tuesday's assembly was devoted to speeches by four candidates for the critical position of School Leader.
Hand tools in woodshop:
The speeches were well-crafted and illuminating on several levels, because each cites the candidate's unique Proctor experiences, from Orientation to past leadership, to participation on championship teams.
Two of the candidates even began by introducing themselves. At Proctor, it is a humble gesture to say, "My name is _______" because--the truth is--we know you. And this leads to my point....
The school leader speeches revealed that--whatever the very real difference existing between these terrific kids--they are articulating candidacies that rest on very similar foundations.
They are not running on promises of grand change, but to be successful media between the student and adult communities. One candidate says, "I want to keep Proctor a place of acceptance, respect and fun."
Another declares, "it is so great to be a part of a community that thrives on the mutual love that the students and teachers share for each other, and for the school itself."
"At this school, I learned it is safe to be myself." Another speaker observes, "...what is huge for me here, is my ability to be me. I came to Proctor trying to be someone I wasn't."
"This is not a typical boarding school, because Proctor allows you--the student--to stand up for what you believe."
Another speech includes, "I am always in awe of the passion and dedication that students have for our community."
"It's not just the off campus programs that change people, although all of my shipmates would agree that Ocean (Classroom) was life changing; it's the classes here; it's the woods team; it's working in the organic garden; it's polar swim; it's screaming for your teams...."
So, we vote for School Leader, knowing that the candidates love their school, and want to facilitate the faculty-student communication that has served us so well. Their speeches were fine and illuminating, but we know these students, and we are glad that we do.
