The Riverwalk Roar

Happy Sunday, Pride!

I hope everyone enjoyed a restful and recharging fall intersession and that you’re ready to kick off the second quarter strong. My family and I had a nice week. It wasn’t quite as relaxing as I had hoped, but it was definitely fun. My oldest, Campbell, went on a few college visits, and Maggie, my youngest, spent the week in the pool preparing for the 5A (Division I) High School Swimming Championships, where she competed on Friday after qualifying earlier in the season.

Before I dive into this week’s message, I want to share a quick update. For the next two weeks, the Riverwalk Roar will feature a few guest writers. I’ll be unavailable from October 18–26 as I travel to Peru to continue my journey toward becoming a World Paralympic Swim Official. The trip includes several days of technical classes followed by officiating at a three-day World Para Meet, where I’ll be formally evaluated.

So, onto what I wanted to share.

We’ve all seen the power of AI, and it’s something we’re all learning to live with. But I discovered a new trick this weekend that really has me thinking—and, honestly, a little worried. I was messing around with Grok (Elon Musk’s version of AI) and decided to test it out.

Here’s my question to you: What am I drinking in the picture above?

If you guessed Sprite, you’d be wrong—it’s actually Dr. Pepper.

I took a photo of myself holding a Dr. Pepper can (which, for whatever reason, looks incredibly small), and I asked Grok to “change it to a Sprite can.” Within seconds, I was looking at a photo of me holding a Sprite.

I know, it’s a silly example. But what’s concerning is how fast it happened and how easy it was to do. This technology is readily available to anyone. And it really got me thinking: when I’m scrolling through Facebook Reels or watching a short video clip online, how often do I stop to ask myself, “Is this real?”

That simple question, “Is this real?” might be one of the most important habits we can build. Technology has made it so simple to create something that looks authentic, even when it’s not. So the next time you see a post or video that sparks a strong reaction, pause before you share. Take a moment to think twice, to check the source, and to ask whether what you’re sharing might be inaccurate or misleading.

As a school, we talk often about integrity and responsibility, and in today’s digital world, that includes being thoughtful consumers and sharers of information. The truth still matters, even when technology tries to blur the lines.

As we head into the second quarter, let’s all do our part to lead with curiosity, integrity, and care—both in person and online. Let’s model what it means to lead with inquiry, to ask questions, and to seek understanding before jumping to conclusions or hitting “share.” Whether we’re teaching, learning, or simply scrolling, each of us has the power to show what thoughtful, responsible leadership looks like. That’s what “Pride in Every Step” means in today’s world—being intentional, inquisitive, and grounded in truth.

I hope everyone has a great week.

In Pride and Purpose,

~Dr. Compton