Headmaster Messages

23 May

Posted at 5:55 PM on May 23, 2019, in Headmaster Messages

Dear WA Community,This past Tuesday evening, we finally had the opportunity to gather in our newly renovated Dr. Kenneth P. Wackes Media Center. Re-dedicating the space, we celebrated the completion of the project with its donors. Above all, we honored the life of our Headmaster Emeritus, Dr. Ken Wackes. Virtually everyone in the room was directly impacted by the life and work of Dr. Wackes—both as a leader and shepherd.We also heard from his lovely wife, Ruth, who joined us with her children and grandchildren. Technology and advancement were always at the forefront of Dr. Wackes’ vision for WA. She...

16 May

Posted at 4:12 PM on May 16, 2019, in Headmaster Messages

Dear WA Community,Someone just asked, “How’s the end of the year going?”“Fine,” I said. A better answer would be chaotic and unpredictable with a good dose of celebration and reflection.Walking back from the Fifth Grade Step Up Luncheon for parents, I began thinking about the transitions that accompany the end of a school year—seniors become alumni, fifth-grade students become middle school students, juniors move to top dogs, teachers mark down the remaining days, and we say goodbye to some teammates while welcoming others on board.The May calendar is stuffed with programs, events, and activities. Perhaps this week’s highlight is our...

09 May

Posted at 3:27 PM on May 9, 2019, in Headmaster Messages

Dear WA Community,Everyone has a favorite teacher. For some, it was the person who challenged you the most and held you accountable to your potential. For others, it was the one who saw in you a quality no one else previously had and inspired you. And yet for others, it was simply a kind, patient, approachable person who made time for you.This week is the time when we reflect on our influences as we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. Those who take on the role of “teacher” rarely consider it just a job, but a calling. Earlier this week, I reminded...

02 May

Posted at 4:12 PM on May 2, 2019, in Headmaster Messages

Dear WA Community,Our school community gathered this morning for the National Day of Prayer. As a result, we joined Christians all over our nation, calling out to God. E.M. Bounds, an 18th‐century pastor who is often considered an authority on the subject, noted, “prayer is God’s plan to supply man’s great and continuous need with God’s great and continuous abundance.”Because of the blessing of a unit school, WA has a remarkable approach to how we observe the National Day of Prayer. It is a school tradition to pair our upper school students with our lower school students. With their prayer...

18 Apr

Posted at 1:26 PM on April 18, 2019, in Headmaster Messages

Dear WA Community,I much prefer this modern world with all of its conveniences, as opposed to, say the middle ages. Yet, another event this week reminds us anew about the majesty and the profound impact of ancient Christianity. Maybe you missed it. In response to the flames that engulfed Notre Dame, ordinary people gathered and began singing hymns. Currently, others are pledging their fortunes to rebuild that magnificent cathedral. It should not be lost on us that in the face of trial, people often turn heavenward and look toward our Maker. One headline and photo focused on how in the...