Forward Together
By Michael C. Wirtz, Head of School, Hackley School
Adapted from the Convocation 2020 remarks to the K-12 student body.
From social distancing to masks to drooling into a vial each week — and then bringing it to school! — it is clear that 2020–2021 will be a school year unlike any other.
It would be easy — and frankly understandable — to be nervous as you enter school this year. The nature of COVID-19 requires that all of us exercise precautions and modify ingrained behaviors to prevent the spread of the disease within our community. Yet, as we do, it is equally as important that we not lose sight of all that makes Hackley special: the people, the opportunities school provides to learn and grow, the joy we derive from one another and our work, and the sense of community we cultivate.
This year, perhaps like no other, our success is truly a collective effort; this is what I mean when I say, “Forward together.” We will rely on one another to make things work, from wearing masks, to washing hands, to practicing social distancing. But this is not a talk about preventing the spread of COVID. Instead, I want to focus on the opportunities all around us. I want to talk about “Forward together”in the context of joy and wonder and friendship.
With this idea in mind, I chose Sophy Henn’s Pass it On to frame my talk, continuing a pattern of basing my Convocation remarks on a children’s book. There is no main character in Pass it On and the narrator speaks directly to the reader:
When you see something terrific…smile a smile and pass it on.
If you chance upon a chuckle, hee hee hee and pass it on.
If something happens that’s amazing, whoop it up and pass it on.
Should you spot a thing of wonder, jump for joy and pass it on.
With all the smiles you have made and the joy you’ve spread about, you’ll find the world’s a little nicer…and those smiles a little brighter.
The initial lines from Pass it On remind us that each new day presents an opportunity to lift those around us. A quick scan of national and world news affirms that building up others, sharing moments of joy, passing along smiles and wonder has never been more important. At Hackley, this spirit is captured in one of the core values found behind me: Enter Here to Be and Find a Friend. Lifting others is a sure sign of being a friend.
The reality though is that not every day or every moment will be easy or joyful or filled with wonder or friendship or smiles. The world presents us with real challenges, and at times sadness and disappointment, whether in our relationships or at school, whether related to COVID-19 or examples of racial injustice. Not every day or every moment is light and hopeful.
This is where finding a friend takes on special relevance. Hopefully in those challenging moments, you look around and see an entire community here to help. Indeed, Hackley is the place it is because of the willingness of individuals — faculty, staff, HPA volunteers, student leaders, and many others — to work on behalf of others and for a greater good.
So think of the opportunities this moment presents to spread joy to those around you…
Sometimes the fun and glee aren’t in their usual place.
But search around, there’s always some…a hum, a hug, a happy face.
So when the sky is gray and rainy, you’ll know just what to do…grab your wellies and your coat, splash a smile and pass it on.
If you feel a little lonely, don’t let that worry you.
Just branch out, see who’s there, find some fun and pass it on.
And when you least expect it, like a bolt out of the blue, a smile or a chuckle will be passed…right back to you.
Enjoy that happy moment, let that feeling fill you up!
Then…have a ball, raise the roof, kick your heels and…pass it on!
I hear reflections of both Enter Here to Be and Find a Friend with Go forth and spread beauty and light within Pass It On.
Today and in the days ahead, I challenge each of us to be the friend we want in our own lives, passing along joy and lifting others. Seize opportunities to approach others with empathy. Seek to understand a different perspective, rather than win an argument. Give others the benefit of the doubt. Build relationships and nurture friendships that expand your understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Enter Here to Be and Find a Friend. Go forth and spread beauty and light. I hope these Hackley values guide and inspire you this year to spread joy and wonder and smiles and friendship to those around you. Because at some point, each of us will need that joy and wonder and smile and friendship passed right back to us. Forward together.
