Issue link: https://trevordayschool.uberflip.com/i/1399111
A Letter from the Head of School Dear Trevor Community: On the morning of June 10th, under cloudy skies, we celebrated the commencement of the Class of 2021 at Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island. On this unique occasion, I made a few brief remarks to our graduates. I share them here again, as they also summarize my reflections on the 2020–21 school year and my hopes for the future. "First, I want to tell you how proud I am of each and every one of you. You've made it through a very challenging year. It's been a hundred years since heads of school stood up in the middle of a pandemic to address their seniors. "I've thought long and hard about this past year, about the personal difficulties for each and every one of us, because this pandemic has touched the lives of each and every one of us in one way or another. I've thought about the political unrest we have been through in this country, largely over the question of race and its continual systemic manifestations in America. And I've thought about how we are so divided as a country, even more than I remember being divided in the 1960s. "ere are a few things that I would like you to take away from this morning and think about at some point. When people first founded the United States—when it was still a group of independent and sovereign states—they sought a motto for our country that I think we have lost track of. I hope you'll work to regain it. E pluribus unum. "It means in Latin, 'from many, one,' and it has long been the mission of our country. In fact, I like to think it is our life mission: that we work to recognize the individual gifts and talents of everyone we see. at we build upon our collective strengths and bring them to bear on the problems that we are facing. at we care for each other because it is the right thing to do. If you take nothing else away from your Trevor education, please take this away: 0 3 T R E V O R D AY S C H O O L n S U M M E R 2 0 2 0 – 2 0 2 1 e 'Beloved Community'—as John Lewis used to call it—of people taking care of one another leads to the best of human nature. "e motto e pluribus unum is followed by a second motto of our country: Novus ordo seclorum—a new order of the ages, for the future. We set very ambitious goals when we talk about all people being equal and being endowed with inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Don't discount the last one. e pursuit of happiness is crucial. "And, as we come through this turbulent time, I am reminded of the 104th Psalm. It says, 'Send forth your spirit and renew the face of the earth.' It was the prayer of people in ancient Israel, and it must be our dedication today. Because you all have the opportunity to send forth your spirit and your knowledge and to renew the face of the earth. is is, I know, an enormous charge. But you are more than up to it." My best wishes to you as you read this Summer 2021 issue of Trevor Magazine. It reflects a student body, alumni community, and faculty and staff steeped in fortitude throughout a most difficult year. We are stronger because we persevered together. I am grateful for each of you. Sincerely yours, Scott R. Reisinger