News and Events : News 07-08

Excerpt of Opening Convocation Speech
From Head of School Tom Sturtevant

The idea of convocation, of coming together, presents a metaphor for what we mean to do intellectually and interpersonally as members of this diverse and multidimensional community. Ironically, the value of coming together depends upon knowing and feeling a dynamic tension between each of our individual perspectives and experiences and the more general belief that we are part of a bigger whole. Being part of this diverse community includes us all, but it does not make us all the same, and thank goodness for that. No doubt, it takes time together and personal efforts to really know the many who are "us."

So, especially as we start the new year, I encourage us all to push past our comfort zones, past our umbrellas of like-minded friends, not simply to discover other kinds of people here, but to construct a very broad, truly inclusive understanding of the many individuals who are the "us" we bring together and know as NMH. Based upon what I have heard from the various leaders of our affinity groups over the last year, this is subtle work that goes beyond having good intentions.

As we look ahead to this year that will quickly unfold before us, set before you is a profound opportunity to build a lasting foundation for your future. Take up the challenges here with your whole heart and with the conviction that you will do your very best, that you will always strive to think for yourself and to go further to consider and even act upon the perspectives of others. In the careful witness of the lives of your fellow students and teachers is the foundation of ethical thinking and the answer to the mysterious question of what you are meant to do with the unique and special energy of your being.

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