A Community That Helps You Be Yourself
Over a span of five days, our community hosted two wonderful events. One was our Be Together multicultural potluck dinner. Families of students from all grades gathered together, each bringing a dish reflecting their family’s identity and traditions. Several students also performed that night in the same spirit – from Indian classical dance to Greek zeibekiko. A few days later, we hosted our annual Classics Declamations, where a dozen students recited – in a spirited way! – passages in Greek or Latin in front of the whole school.
In both instances, the response from the audience to the student performances was beautiful: riotous applause and loving hollering followed by pats on the back and warm hugs. Teenagers are often encouraged to “be themselves.” That does not – and cannot – happen in a vacuum. I take great pride in this being a community where, when young people take risks, try something new, and make themselves vulnerable, they are greeted with acceptance, love, and admiration. That is fertile soil for healthy development. And it is what all kids deserve.