From the Desk of the Head of School- October 15, 2021

Dear Harding Academy Learning Community,

It never ceases to amaze me the kind of time and effort that goes into one of our theatre productions. This past week and weekend, many of us were treated to an incredible performance of The Lion King, Jr. The musical numbers were harmonious, the costumes were fantastic, the acting was poignant and funny, and the kids on stage truly shined. 

But maybe the best part is the fact that as many children were working really hard in the background to make sure the performance was the best it could be. These students were changing out sets, swapping props, setting the sound, monitoring the mics, managing the lights, and directing the actors. Everybody - everybody - had an important role to play. All 80+ students had a responsibility to their fellows and each had to come through in order for the collective to achieve the goal of a wonderful performance. And they did. 

Our theatre program is a gem, no doubt about that. But when you pull the layers back a little bit, it really is a leadership program with the veneer of a theatre program cast over it. Our students learn teamwork, collaboration, how to play off one another’s strengths, accountability, respect, active listening - all of it towards a shared goal of delighting an audience with a genuine, authentic rendering of a story that holds lessons for all of us. 

This kind of program, which pushes students into these leadership roles, can’t be realized without adults who are willing to create a framework within which our students can rise to the expectations. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank them for their incredible work on this front. Braden Bell, Grace Wilkinson, and Katy Stumpf have spent countless hours in the service of this (and every) production. Additionally, our parent volunteer leaders who help with a lot of the behind the scenes work - Cinda Lack and Blythe Hefferan, Kristen McDaniel and Elizabeth Thomas, Lynley McCarley and Lindsey Margolis, Cortni Coleman-Woodard, Priya Purohit, and Carrie Ellis.

I hope you all are having a wonderful fall break and I look forward to seeing you all on Monday.