We capped off last week with Student Council Inauguration on Friday, a ceremony held in the church. Student council was invited to stand before their classmates and teachers and swear to uphold their jobs as well as the mission of the church and school. They took an oath. Our president, Declan Wallingford, gave a speech of determination and hope, and he passed the flame from the Easter candle to his cohorts, down the line of fellow student council leaders.
Friday was also class color day, which made for a day of spirited and creative cheering, such as third grade’s, We feel Smurfy, oh we feel so smurfy, (their color was blue). Excellently done, third grade. And then in the church for inauguration, these class colors formed a beautiful audience.
It was a day of connection. We were connected to our classes by color. We were connected as a school--a rainbow. We were connected with Student Council, all of whom looked out at us and said, we are here to serve you. They were connected to each other by the Easter candle, as well as reinforcing our connection to God.
We need to be reminded of that sometimes. We as a school are connected. We are individuals and we are one community.
Speaking of connection, I’d like to spotlight a student. This is one of the middle grade classroom representatives, a young man with as much pluck and optimism as you could ever wish for. He approached me many times that day, concerned and nervous about the Inauguration. What are you so worried about? I kept saying. Everyone here is lucky and happy to have you. His response was somewhere, indeterminately, between alleviation and skepticism.
And then at recess, from a distance I saw what, exactly, was concerning him. He was practicing the complicated and pivotal moment of accepting a certificate and shaking a teacher’s hand at the same time. Does he reach for the certificate over his handshaking hand? Or below? Does one come first? Which??
Over and over he acted it out, his hands seemingly getting more confused with each attempt. But I think it’s important to point out how badly he wanted his moment of connection to be precise, perhaps even touch debonaire as well. After all, this kid’s got style.
I’m happy to report Enzo Kohler’s handshake was flawless.
I’m happy to report on the beautiful ceremony, and to remind us all about the power of human connection, which starts in ways so small as a handshake. It’s a heartwarming experience to see young people accept roles of leadership with pride, and of course, connection. Congratulations to all of our fine representatives!