Once again, it is a pleasure to have the opportunity to share a few thoughts with you as we wrap up the school year and get ready for our summer break!

As we finish up the year, it seems like an appropriate time to reflect upon where we are and what’s to come. First, let me congratulate the Class of 2024! What an unusual path to graduation you had. You began learning from home in a virtual environment and finished up your freshman year in small groups at school. It was certainly not the ideal way to start high school let alone starting at Maggie Walker, but you adapted and got through it. Three short years after the clunky start you are graduating and starting the next phase of your adventure. We are all very proud of you.

To the Class of 2025, it is now your turn to lead. You started your freshman year wearing masks and endured all the strange things that year had to offer. Our first outdoor Homecoming Dance, truncated sports seasons, and the relief when we were able to make masks optional and start returning to a more familiar environment. Now you will get to cap off your high school experience with college applications, mentorships and seminars, all while enjoying it in the much bigger senior commons!

You are halfway done, Class of 2026! You have survived the first two years and are ready to embark on the most important academic year of your high school career. Grades will matter more that ever as you continue to build your academic and leadership resume’ for your college applications. By now you should have a handle of managing your time so that you can get your studies done while still enjoying the social aspects of school. Oh, and many of you will have your driver’s license, so your world is about to get a whole lot bigger!

Last, but certainly not least, we have the Class of 2027. You made it through your first year! You made new friends, adjusted to the new rigors and challenges, and are ready to move out of your cramped commons. You have earned it and deserve it, and you no longer have to sit on the floor at pep-rallies! There are three more years to make your mark, I can’t wait to see what new ideas you will bring to our community.

One of the things that I enjoy the most about school is that we all get a two-month break between school years that allows us to travel, recover, rest, and prepare for the next year. We get to have a fresh start and try new things. Next year we have re-vamped the F.I.R.C. class and rebranded it MLWGS 101 with a six week focus on technology, academic skills, and honor right from the start. Our freshmen will also have a weekly Dragon Advisory time that will accomplish many of the goals of the Bonsai Balance program. It is going o be a great year!

Have a great summer, stay safe, and as always…GO DRAGONS!