Mayor Michael Bloomberg at Saint David's School

Tuesday evening, we were fortunate to welcome Michael R. Bloomberg, the 108th Mayor of the City of New York, world-renowned business leader, public health advocate, and dedicated philanthropist, as the featured speaker for our signature Alumni Parents Council Lectures event. Taking the podium, the Mayor first encouraged the eighth graders present to always appreciate and be kind to others and to learn to work as part of a team. He then engaged in a lively conversation with the boys, who sat in a semi-circle around him at the front of a standing-room-only Hyman Hall.

Bearing in mind our school-wide theme this year of Critical Analysis, the boys had prepared several probing questions for Mayor Bloomberg that ranged from his thoughts about climate change (he stressed the need to address the effects that are measurable right now, such as pollution from coal-fired plants), to income inequality (he believes in equal opportunity, and providing access to a good education with challenging standards) to the most important qualities a leader should possess (honesty, a positive attitude, and team building).

The final question posed asked why no one in his company has a private office, to which he replied: "I believe that my job is to get people to work together; walls prevent this." Mayor Bloomberg emphasized the importance of a leader being someone accessible, who encourages the sharing of ideas among members of his or her team.

At the conclusion of the event, Student Council President Frank R. thanked the Mayor and noted that he learned from this session, "the importance of leadership, how it enables you to create a path in life; that we should always strive to be better people to benefit ourselves and those around us."

The evening was spirited, and we all thoroughly enjoyed Mayor Bloomberg's candid remarks, quick wit, and insightful responses. It was an event to remember. This night would not have been possible without the efforts of current parent Cathy Blaney-Petralia and Alumni Parents Council Co-Chairs Dorothy Faux and Linda Foran.

The Annual Lecture Series provides our eighth grade boys an opportunity to explore the school's mission and themes from the perspective of a notable person or leader.

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