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Getting out of the way

I happened to miss Upper School Assembly on Monday on account of my schedule, but throughout the day I joined the country in horror while learning of the size of the mass shooting in Las Vegas. In an age where the news continually delivers us terrifying accounts of unfathomable things, it is critical that we don’t become desensitized to the scope of what took place at this concert. Perhaps even more terrifying than the largest death toll in modern US history is the emerging sense that the attack probably could not have been prevented. As a father, I can’t help but wonder how I will respond the first time my daughter asks to attend her first concert.  This recent shooting emerged from a domestic sniper, and it leaves us wondering how to move forward.

As I made my way to assembly on Tuesday, I asked one of the teachers whether or not we had offered a moment of silence on Monday, which we had not. I headed down to the front of assembly to catch up with senior Ben Nigrin, who runs our morning gatherings. He mentioned that he was also planning to say something, but it was no problem if I wanted to step in. I paused for a moment, considering whether or not this was a moment for the Head of School to offer moral authority, but ultimately decided this was a great moment for Ben to lead the community.

Once again I was reminded of the power of a student-directed school. His prepared comments, description of the event, and subsequent call to reflection was not only appropriate – it was powerful. Moments of silence in assembly make one realize just how much squirming and underlying noise takes place while people are watching assembly under normal circumstances. As Ben deftly transitioned us into the remaining announcements for the day, he reminded us “this event is really something we should be thinking about and discussing as young adults.” Well said, Mr. Nigrin – and clearly more powerful coming from a peer.


Time and again, Berwick Academy students have shown me that when we liberate them to follow their passions and instincts, they not only usually rise to the occasion, but they model and catalyze growth in powerful ways. Sometimes, as Head of School, the best leadership decisions are unseen and unknown to the school community. In my case, getting out of the way ranks up there with some of the best arrows in my Head of School leadership quiver.

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