FROM THE PRESIDENT

If you have ever had the pleasure of riding a roller coaster, you know that feeling of reaching the first apex.  It is excitement mixed with anticipation and a little bit of fear for what lies ahead.  The first downward “drop” sets the tone for the rest of the ride.  For most of us, the month of September feels like that first drop!  

As our students move in to their dorm rooms or return to our high schools on those first few days of school, we feel that incredible anticipation of what we hope to be an exciting and transformational year.  Many of our students have smiles on their faces as they meet their new roommates, reconnect with old friends, and prepare themselves for the rigors of another academic year.  However, let’s not forget about those students who view this time of year as stressful, a time when they must leave the comfort of home to push themselves outside their comfort zone.  These students are the ones who need us most.  They need a welcoming smile and an empathetic friend to assure them that they will be ok.  I encourage all of us, no matter the role we play in a student’s life, to seek out those students who would benefit from some kind words.  Remember – you probably didn’t go on that first roller coaster ride alone.  You had a friend sitting next to you to share in the excitement and fear.  READ MORE