It has been a week. There were some high points...
Jumping in the pool on Monday was a really special moment. Not only was it impressively well-coordinated, but it was also kept quite quiet. We only got a couple minute jump on things happening down in the admin office - extraordinary, really, when you take into account the number of folks in on the "secret." Well done. But, the most special part about this was how incredibly inclusive it was. Almost all the seniors were at the pool, in pool gear, and happily engaged in celebrating the end of four amazing year at Miramonte. This is community-building. And, as I stood nervously on the pool deck, wary for any potential emergency, I thought that this was the best of our school. I was proud to be there and be a part of it.
Another great moment occurred yesterday when you miraculously assembled into a perfectly symmetrical photograph wearing your "Destination Day" shirts. The smaller photos of college-alike groups and elementary groups were really very special and fun to watch. It reminded me that many of you are not only moving on from Miramonte, but from 13 years of school together!
There were also, however, some low points...
The movement of the picnic tables, while not entirely destructive, created a safety hazard in the form of exposed metal bolts and will require many hours of work for our maintenance personnel to fix over the summer. While I am fairly certain this was not taken into account at the time of the prank, our actions have impact. And, as young adults, you need to start thinking about this. Even if it was not intended, if there is an impact that adversely effects someone, you are responsible.
Which brings us to today.
Today should have been fun. For some of you, it probably was. But, for others at our school, and this school is comprised of a lot of folks who are not seniors, it took a step from fun and into "unfun." Think about the optics. Friends chasing friends, laughing as they lob water balloons looks like fun to a casual observer. Underclassman running into classrooms looking for sanctuary looks more like an emergency. Hence, unfun.
So, this is what I will ask of you in your final weeks. Remind those looking up to you (the underclassmen) and those who have mentored you (your teachers) how much it has meant to you to be a part of this community. If you love Miramonte, and I believe a fair number of you do, preach this message as you finish your final days. Make your love for this place visible to those around you, to those who will continue to be here after you have moved on to your next destination. And, in doing this, you will leave your mark here in a far more meaningful way than any prank can achieve.
Go Mats.
