A Message from Mr. Horner
I begin the blessing of my fourth year of servant leadership to the Academy community through the lens of joy, refracted through Open House and the first days of school. These days arrived with boundless energy, countless smiles, innumerable hugs, and an anticipation of something very good lying ahead. In a word, joy.
Over and over, I have been struck by small gestures, for in these small moments, often unnoticed, school culture is revealed:
- A teacher greeting former students and the love that is evident at that moment
- A teacher walking with a younger student to ease the stress of a new beginning
- The prolonged hug of a teacher by a student
- An older brother, as a returning student, walking his younger sister, a new student, into the school they will share for years to come
- A Seventh or Eighth Class student smiling at, and then leading a younger student to the building.
In a word describing all, joy.
I am struck by the synergy of joy contained in our school’s vision and the Philosophy of Sacred Heart Education: Sophie’s Gift…. Our Call to the Future. Sophie’s Gift illustrates a contemporary philosophy of Sacred Heart education, established by St. Madeleine Sophie Barat in 1800 in Paris. When Philippine Duchesne brought this education to America in 1818 and founded the Academy, it flourished and became the root of what is now the Network of Sacred Heart Schools — the 25 schools in the U.S. and Canada, all united by the Goals and Criteria.
Sophie’s Gift affirms:
- We believe that in inviting others to experience hope, we need to project the spirit of joy and generosity through our words and actions.
- We create a communal and welcoming environment and we encourage discernment.
Our School Vision:
Grounded in our faith and shaped by our Sacred heart mission, we courageously embark on the journey to inspire, educate, and transform students into joyful creators of a world defined by change. We recognize the need for their critical and creative thinking, generous hearts, and principled leadership in shaping the future.
My prayer for this year is that we project love, foster a welcoming community, and create a world infused with joy. I will conclude this second day of school the same way I conclude each Mass:
So go, love
intentionally,
extravagantly,
and unconditionally
so that others may say I know they are of the Sacred Heart because of their love.
