Headmaster's Blog

Beautiful day at Hollow Brook Golf Club in northern Westchester County, town of Cortlandt Manor. Pictured here at the 9th green are master teacher Bob McLaughlan and his sons Rob '77, Matt '81, and Andy '84. They joined 53 other alums, parents, students and faculty for the 3rd Annual Golf Classic.  The ninth was a great hole for Bob--a birdie!  His sons had to work hard to keep up -- This message was sent using the Picture and Video Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!

On the same day the school received a letter from the Passionsits, it also received Fr. Richard Frechette's new book about his work in Haiti.  Both are interesting reads.  I especially enjoyed Fr. Rick's opening thoughts in his book about the resilience of life.  He makes referencee to the fighting spirit of the salmon and the resilience of the leaves of deciduous trees. The boys of Saint David's School, under the leadership of our Student Council chose Haiti relief as the focus of their efforts this year.  Each year the graduating class with the student council choose a charity to support.  Their efforts were obviously appreciated and deeply beneficial to the work of the Passionists' and to the people of Haiti.

I had the great pleasure of welcoming Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch and alums and friends of Saint David's to a private club in midtown for our Alumni Council's 4th Annual Networking Event.  Loud applause filled the room when I informed the gathered alumni that I had just arrived from Randall's Island where Saint David's Red Baseball team managed to achieve a clear and convincing win against Allen-Stevenson, securing their claim to the league championship title.  To top it off, they did so with back-to-back undefeated seasons, making this the school's third title in as many years.  More applause followed. This was a great place to start the evening because the remarks that followed told a very different story.  Lieutenant Governor Ravitch spoke directly to the failing economy of the state and the nation and the difficult nature of the road ahead. In sum, Mr. Ravitch expressed most concern about New York and other states' "disinvestment in higher ed...

After a hit to center by Max C. Theo H. brings in Saint David's 2nd run at the top of 2. Then Max, after a hit, infield single to 3rd by Austin R., brings it home to close out the inning 3-0.

Vinnie Boombats on the mound at the bottom of the first inning ... championship game against Allen-Stevenson. Score 1-0 Saint David's. Nick C brings in the first run.

At Spring Concert this morning, 8th grade members of the Chamber Singers, James P., Dylan M., John V., Tommy R., Austen R., Max C., Vincent M., James L., and Andrew Turner, with special guest appearance by Jon R.! chose to sing "We are the World." Beautifully sung, the song captured the Class of 2010's special spirit. They truly have reached out and connected themselves to the world.  Always a generous class, having started the now traditional Pennies for Puppies program while 4th graders, through their incredible efforts this year with the most successful Thanksgiving Food Drive in the school's history and their Haiti campaign, the Class of 2010 has led the school in "making the world a better place"--the good at work.

After Exeter, it was a quick drive north west to St. Paul's in Concord. After a visit to the head and admissions director, it was off to spend some time with Browning P., second year. A highly effective tour guide, Browning has developed a singular reputation for impressing parents, their sons and daughters, with his knowledge and love of all things related to St. Paul's. Browning was the consummate host, giving us a grand tour of St. Paul's campus and campus life. In keeping with New Hampshire's state motto, I'm working my way through "How the Scots Invented the Modern World" by Herman--quite a thesis statement, but a nice companion for the flight up and back none-the-less. Pictured are Browning with Mr. Imbelli and me in front of St. Paul's Library, by the beautiful pond.