Bulldog News

Thanksgiving Reflection: Headmaster David Beecher

Friday, November 20, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all. I wish to begin by thanking Mrs. Pettee for all of her fine work on our chapel program. And, as I count my blessings this November, I wish to thank our Associate Headmaster Mr. Goodearl, the Assistant to the Headmaster Kathleen Marshall, and Mrs. Beecher for all they do to support our school, our boys and me.

As I reflect on what has been the finest trimester for our school in my 12 years as the Headmaster of Hillside I am drawn to our school theme this year of Counting our Blessings.

Please allow me to describe three people to you; as I do please try to guess (in your head) who I am referring to. All three people are compassionate, determined, honest, respectful and like to have fun.

First, He:
« comes early and leaves late
« works constantly throughout the day rarely taking a break
« smiles often and greets all he passes with that smile
« offers an encouraging word on a regular basis to numerous students
« has been here 20 years, or is it 1 year.

Secondly, She:
« is with you in the morning and in the evening
« offers wise counsel
« runs quickly about campus and even skates on ice
« has been here for years and yet is young
« laughs and laughs

Thirdly, He:
« is right next to you
« plays soccer, runs cross country and serves on the eco team
« sings, draws and leads
« snores and smiles, scowls and laughs
« has an address of Mexico, Korea, Boston and Palm Beach

Do you know of whom I speak? The first "he" is every member of our staff -- our chefs, our maintenance, our admin. assistants, our administrators. Wonderful people and fine educators, friends to students and their families.

The "she" is every faculty member at Hillside. Educators who have come from far and wide to call Hillside their home, to dedicate their lives to helping others' children grow.

The second "he" is you -- you the students, each and every one of you.

And so, this Thanksgiving 2009 as I gather with my family, I will count my family, my relative good health, and my wonderful job at Hillside among my blessings. But, importantly and enthusiastically I will also count all of our students and employees as wonderful blessings in my life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Headmaster David Z. Beecher reflects at the Thanksgiving Service on Nov. 18.