Dear Friends,

I witnessed an interaction at school last week wanted to share with all of you. I know that it might seem I’m making some sort of political statement by telling you this, but I’m not. Nor am I in any way trying to make a statement about students enlisting in the military. The story I’m about to relate to you is just one of those “moments” that we as educators don’t always get to witness. Because our students are still only teenagers when they leave us, we don’t get to see the “finished product.” Although we know in the back of our minds that almost all of our graduates are doing just fine, this was one of those times where the difference we can make as teachers became tangible for me.

This time of year we have quite a few visits from former students. Last week, we had a visit from a student whom I like to count among those students who had somewhat of a rough time while they were here at BHS. This particular young man had more than a few staff members who went above and beyond the normal call of duty to get him across the stage his senior year. I like to joke that there are six names listed on his diploma: his and those from the team from BHS, including his guidance counselor, teachers, coaches, and assistant principal who would not let him fail.

Last week this young man stepped into the main office at BHS in his “dress blue” Marine Corps uniform, and immediately went to touch base with the faculty members that formed this “support team.” I caught up with him later outside the cafeteria. He was doing well. After completing a tour of duty in Afghanistan, he was spending the last six-months of his enlistment “stateside.” After his enlistment was complete, he planned on moving back to Belmont to work as a salesman for the family business. He told me that he had recently been married, and that he and his new wife planned on moving south to start a family after he learned the particulars of his new job. He seemed to be apologetic for the trials that he had put his teachers here through. I waived him off and told him that it was part of what we do and that it sometimes takes people a little longer to figure out their path in life.

I had told him that I was glad that he was doing well and started to continue on my rounds of the building when a class of Wellington School students walked through the foyer outside of the cafeteria. The line stopped as their heads snapped around to look at the 6’ 2” Marine standing in front of them. I pointed at him and said proudly, “He went to school here.” The students gasped, some of them even clapped. The Marine smiled an awkward, half-embarrassed smile. I looked at him and started to ask him, “Where did you go to-“ Before I could get out the words “elementary school,” the Wellington teacher leading the group called out his name and said, “The second you smiled, I knew it was you!” She ran over to him, reached up on her toes, threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. I looked at the Wellington class and said, “He went to the Wellington School, too.” She spent a few moments catching up with him before moving the class on to Phys. Ed. Most of the students said, “Thanks for protecting us” to him as they passed.

At this time of year, we are often asked to recall the things we are thankful for. I’m thankful for having the opportunity to witness this interaction, and for its making me remember that I work with an amazing group of dedicated, caring professionals, not only at BHS, but also throughout this district. Having the Wellington School in such close proximity has helped to broaden my understanding that there really should be a list of hundreds of names on every student’s diploma.

I wish all of our families a joyful holiday season, a restful vacation and a Happy New Year.

Sincerely,

Michael M. Harvey, Ed.D
Principal