Horace Mann Magazine - Fall 2009 - (Page 4)

Head of School letter from the head of school he 2009-2010 school year began as school years always do at Horace Mann—with excitement, anticipation, and perhaps a little trepidation for some—the littlest of our HM students—but with the intention on all of our parts to make this the best year ever. The Upper Division began school with some added excitement, as students, faculty, administrators and staff observed our second-annual “First Day” event. Introduced to Horace Mann last year, First Day promises to become a fine tradition, and an inspiring way of bringing the Upper Division together as a community. It also served to alleviate the anxiety of what, for many students, is the most intense time of their academic lives at Horace Mann, and even remembered, our alumni tell us, beyond. The day featured some serious messages to help enhance our awareness of one another as we journey through the year, but it also featured music and laughter—a lot of laughter. For at Horace Mann, humor is deeply valued, and wit goes hand-in-hand with wisdom. Henry Ward Beecher put it this way: “A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It’s jolted by every pebble on the road.” I believe the same can be said of an institution, particularly a school—a school made up of about 2,000 individuals, including students, teachers, staff and all. Some days offer smooth sailing, but others— well, there are pebbles along the road. The year that passed was one of new challenges for many. It was one during which we carefully considered every step we take at this School. Yes, we considered their value. That was incumbent upon us in light of economic reality. But we always considered each aspect within the context of the values we have cultivated throughout the long tradition of our School. We entered this year fortified—based on the internal work we did last year and throughout the summer. We feel secure in the sense of our academic, athletic, artistic, and communal strength. And therefore, we feel secure in our ability to continue to deeply explore with every part of our intellect—not the least part of which is our sense of humor—as we do in this issue of Horace Mann Magazine which provides us with “A Time to Laugh.” Throughout its 122-year history Horace Mann has placed the ability to laugh in high esteem. Over the years our alumni have contributed greatly to the world of humor, bringing laughter to generations through movies they’ve made, through their music, TV shows, and through their art. The list of alumni you’ll find here is impressive and astounding, and probably one that only scratches the surface of a longer roster of humorendowed HMers. As we begin another year of engagement with “The Life of the Mind” we are mindful of the need to place into perspective the right front lobe of our minds— where humor is processed as a part of well-being. Many in the Horace Mann community have heard me recite my “Four L” adage: Live. Love. Laugh. Learn. These words seem particularly appropriate to extend to our readers, with a little more emphasis today on the laughter. But, apply the other “L” words as well, as we invite you to live our lives by visiting us on campus. Come for the festivities of Homecoming this fall! Learn with us, by coming to our classes, our Book Day and other special events, for learning is ever our primary enterprise. And love this School, as you have for generations, and as all of us here do today. Welcome to the start of a great new year. With all best wishes… T Dr. Thomas M. Kelly P ’18 Head of School 4 Horace Mann Magazine Fall 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Horace Mann Magazine - Fall 2009

Horace Mann Magazine - Fall 2009
Contents
Letters
Greetings from the Head of School
Greetings from the Director of Development
Enter Laughing: the Humor of Horace Mann School
News of the School
Alumni Council Corner
Bookshelf
Class Notes
Memorials
Philanthropy and You

Horace Mann Magazine - Fall 2009