Thoughts from our Head of School, Dr. Joseph Vobach:
On Tuesday night, I had the opportunity to attend O'Connell student Gabe Gaudet's Eagle Court of Honor induction ceremony at Troop 111 in Saint Agnes Parish in Arlington. The ceremony actually began with the presentation to Gabe Gaudet of the Boy Scouts of America Medal of Merit for his actions in response to an overturned vehicle accident he witnessed in Arlington last year. Gabe assisted the driver from the wreckage and remained at the scene to provide witness testimony to the police and fire/EMS.The Arlington County Police officer whose testimony became the basis of Gabe's award commented on the way that Gabe did not hesitate to take action and assist someone in need. At the ceremony the other night, Gabe called his friend and O'Connell classmate Nahom Tesfazghi forward to share in the recognition as it was Nahom who called 911 when Gabe went to assist.
As the ceremony progressed, all Eagle Scouts in attendance were called forward to surround Gabe during his induction. There were about 25 Eagle Scouts in attendance, some of whom earned their Eagle recognition more than 50 years ago. Our chemistry teacher Kurt Meinsen was there, having earned his Eagle Scout honor in Hamden, Connecticut in 1970. At the appropriate moment, Gabe was joined in Scout salute by all these Eagle Scouts who reaffirmed their commitments as he promised to continue to "Do his best and do his duty..." as an Eagle Scout. These moments at St Agnes the other night reminded me of the Old Testament verse from the Book of Micah that tells us what God asks of us: "Only to do justice and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God."
Over the course of the week, I have had a number of opportunities to talk with students around the school as they were studying for exams. I have been impressed with the diligence and purposefulness I have seen. The students have been serious in their approach and clearly focused on making the most of their opportunities with the exams. They have been trying to "do their best, and do their duty." They have now earned a break -- a chance to recharge, to refocus, to take stock of their blessings and opportunities, and to be reminded by those who love them that God asks only that they do justice, love goodness, and walk humbly with him.
Merry Christmas, everyone!