Year End Prayer Service
Trust and Zeal: St. John’s began the last day of classes today by coming together for a closing prayer service that celebrated the Xaverian values of trust and zeal, which have been a central theme for the school community this year. Two speakers, Drew Bouchie '20 and school counselor Melanie Piendak, shared personal experiences about what trust and zeal have meant in their lives.
A writing assignment in Mr. Munro’s English class helped Drew trust other people when he and his family were moving to a new town, he said. “In the spirit of Homer’s epic [Mr. Munro asked us] to recount a personal odyssey…Being able to trust someone enough to spill your feelings has an indescribable effect that almost feels as if…pressure and anxiety leave immediately.” Ms. Piendak asked students to broaden their perspective on trust and zeal by looking outward as well as inward. “Trusting ourselves is so important, but looking at how we trust in an external way can be even more transformative. Internal trust can build confidence—super important. External trust can build harmony, perhaps even more important,” she said. When it comes to zeal, she said, “Let’s choose to turn outward and elevate the passions of others.”
At that point in the service, students came forward to place small rocks in front of three symbols that form the foundation of St. John's: a painting of the spire, representing the school community; a cross, symbolizing faith in God; and an eagle to express that we do our best when we soar together. In keeping with tradition, the service closed with all rising seniors coming up to receive a spire pin signifying their role as leaders on campus. Students then gave a standing ovation for the teachers, coaches, and mentors who have shared so much of their time and talents. It's been a wonderful year! And as Headmaster Hardiman reminded us—only 96 days until schools begins in the fall!
Read MoreA writing assignment in Mr. Munro’s English class helped Drew trust other people when he and his family were moving to a new town, he said. “In the spirit of Homer’s epic [Mr. Munro asked us] to recount a personal odyssey…Being able to trust someone enough to spill your feelings has an indescribable effect that almost feels as if…pressure and anxiety leave immediately.” Ms. Piendak asked students to broaden their perspective on trust and zeal by looking outward as well as inward. “Trusting ourselves is so important, but looking at how we trust in an external way can be even more transformative. Internal trust can build confidence—super important. External trust can build harmony, perhaps even more important,” she said. When it comes to zeal, she said, “Let’s choose to turn outward and elevate the passions of others.”
At that point in the service, students came forward to place small rocks in front of three symbols that form the foundation of St. John's: a painting of the spire, representing the school community; a cross, symbolizing faith in God; and an eagle to express that we do our best when we soar together. In keeping with tradition, the service closed with all rising seniors coming up to receive a spire pin signifying their role as leaders on campus. Students then gave a standing ovation for the teachers, coaches, and mentors who have shared so much of their time and talents. It's been a wonderful year! And as Headmaster Hardiman reminded us—only 96 days until schools begins in the fall!
