Dear Parents/Guardians,
Today, on Ash Wednesday, we gathered as an entire school community to celebrate Mass and mark the beginning of the sacred season of Lent. There is something especially powerful about beginning this journey together — united in prayer, reflection, and hope.
Recently, the Vatican released Pope Leo XIV’s message for Lent, inviting us to embrace a “very practical and frequently overlooked form of abstinence: refraining from words that offend and hurt our neighbor.” He calls each of us to measure our words carefully and to cultivate kindness and respect — in our families, among friends, at work, on social media, in political conversations, in the media, and within our Christian communities. When we choose words of compassion over criticism, words of hope over hatred, we become instruments of peace.
This is a message our young people need now more than ever. Throughout this Lenten season, we will continue encouraging our students to lead with love, model kindness, speak with purpose, and to reflect Christ in both word and action.
Our students are also reflecting excellence beyond the classroom. As winter sports enter postseason competition, we celebrate the accomplishments of our Girls Swimming Team members who have advanced to Districts at Bowling Green State University this Friday. Congratulations as well to Elaina Coriell, Sarah Gocsik, Kennedie Frazee, and Jocelyn Welter for breaking the school record in the 200 Individual Medley Relay at Sectionals — an incredible achievement!
We wish the best of luck to our Model UN team competing over the next two days and to our Mock Trial team as they compete this Friday. Our Competition Cheer Team will take the stage at the State Championship this Saturday at Big Walnut High School. It was great to send them off to state after our Mass this afternoon. Meanwhile, preparations for our production of The Wizard of Oz are in full swing, with tickets now available in the Main Office.
The amount of involvement across our campus is inspiring. Whether in athletics, the arts, academic competition, or leadership opportunities, our students continue to use their talents in positive, meaningful ways. Their dedication reflects not only personal ambition but the strength of our entire school community.
Last Friday, I met with our junior high students to speak about expectations — particularly the importance of respect and responsibility, even when their regular teachers are not present. I have every confidence that they will rise to meet and exceed those expectations.
Also on Friday we welcomed a former student of mine, Mr. Brenton Webb, who spoke with our seniors about three important questions: Who are you? Whose are you? And who do you want to become? Five years ago, he stood before this same class when they were in eighth grade. Watching that full-circle moment unfold was deeply meaningful. Seeing the growth of our seniors — and of Mr. Webb himself — was a powerful reminder of one of the great privileges of my life, being in a position to witness that growth firsthand.
Even in this shortened week, our school is alive with activity, energy, and purpose. I ask for your continued prayers for our students, teachers, staff, and for me during this Lenten season — that we may grow in patience, kindness and faith.
Great things continue to happen on our campus. Thank you for being partners in this mission.
Go Flyers!
