In honor of the English tradition of the 12 Days of Christmas, I’d like to share 12 things I am most thankful for this holiday:
1. Longtime Band Director Christian Smith and the Marching Bulldog Band. Come see them in action this very evening as part of the annual Monroe Christmas Parade!
2. The Christmas Tree Presentation in the Nicholson Center tomorrow at 9 a.m. Another great way to get into the Christmas spirit!
3. Final Exams! What in the world, you say?? Yes, in an age in education when many schools dumb down their academic program, I am thankful GWA still values a rigorous cumulative assessment at semester’s end. As a high school and college student, I recall feeling genuine accomplishment after lots of studying and finishing my exams.
4. Jordan Greene and her BARK (Building Academic Reasoning & Knowledge) team of Denise Schnieders and Kim Fulmer. We will soon expand this first-year enrichment program to more grades.
5. Chorale Director Corrie Beth Noll and her many marvelous melodious moments that keep us all singing and smiling.
6. Student Activities Director Amanda Jackson, who works tirelessly to coordinate so many great school traditions, such as the upcoming Gingerbread Christmas Celebration this Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be there!
7. Longtime custodian Mr. David, who will make his delicious vegetable soup at the home-opening basketball games this Friday night. Go Bulldogs!
8. The front office dynamic duo of Tanya Rainford and Haley Brewer, whose boundless energy, contagious smiles, and conscientiousness keep the school humming by the minute.
9. 23-year veteran CFO Jenni Cole, who has devoted most of her career to our school and supporting the faculty and staff in so many ways that are both seen and behind the scenes. Thank you, Jenni, for your steadfast service and dedication.
10. Longtime nurse Libba Ford and her able nursing team of Rachel Choe, Morgan Ooley, Jane Root, and Emily Vannoy for caring for our kids in the clinic, and beyond.
11. Todd Shelnutt and his facilities team of Mark Liles, Adam Kimelman, and Bobby Testa for working during school – and during school breaks – to maintain our campus.
12. The Advancement Team and a very generous community, where this week 139 donors came together to help raise over $105,000 in support of the Annual Loyalty Fund, which provides the margin of excellence.
What do these 12 expressions of gratitude have in common? Not one would have been possible without teachers and coaches. Especially at this time of year, please take a moment to thank the adult caregivers in our school who make a difference in the life of your child. The foundation of every great school is the special relationship between teacher and student. That is who we are.
Godspeed and warm wishes to you and your family this Christmas Season!
John D. Marshall
Head of School
