During this holiday, we send our thanks to you

“When eating fruit, remember the one who planted the tree.”
—Vietnamese Proverb

Today and yesterday’s GrandFriends Days served as another reminder of how good it feels to be in a different place than during the height of the pandemic.  Students, grandparents, and grandfriends were able to revel in each other’s company and celebrate in person for the first time since 2019.

Thank you to all of the grandparents and grandfriends who came to both campuses to spend time with their grandchildren and young friends.  There’s something beautiful in watching the special relationship between an older adult and a young child, and we are grateful for the time you spent with us.

Thank you also to the 9th grade for facilitating GrandFriends Day on the Main Campus and helping younger students and visitors find their way around the school.

Last week, I attended an Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) Heads Conference here in San Antonio. For two days, heads from across the region gathered to learn from guest speakers and one another.  (Thank you to the keynote speaker, Trinity University professor and Keystone parent Dr. Amer Kaissi for starting the conference with an inspiring and powerful speech on humility and ambition.)

Perhaps one of the most often heard sentiments at the conference was how grateful we feel to be seemingly past the worst of COVID.  School leaders shared an appreciation for returning their primary focus to teaching, learning, and building community.

During our conversations, I expressed my hope that we never lose this newfound gratitude for being together in person.  It’s easy when things appear to be going normally to overlook how special it is to be face-to-face with one another.

In that spirit, I want to express my gratitude to all of you.  To our students, thank you for being the interesting, enjoyable, stimulating, and fun people you are. On a daily basis, you make our days meaningful and purposeful, and we appreciate the enthusiasm and sense of possibility that you bring to school.

To our parents, thank you for the faith you place in us when you bring your children to school.  We understand how precious your children are, and we accept this responsibility with humility and appreciation.  Thank you for partnering with us to help your children grow into the outstanding people they were meant to be.

To our faculty and staff, thank you for your dedication and devotion to Keystone’s students and families. You work long and hard to support your students on their academic and personal journeys.  You teach, mentor, and coach students so they can grow and develop, and they are fortunate to have you in their lives.

To the Keystone Board of Trustees, thank you for your vision, support, and wisdom as you help Keystone plan for future generations of students.  You roll up your sleeves, come ready to work, and extend yourselves so the entire community may prosper.  Thank you for all you do to ensure that future Cobras will have the same and even more opportunities as current students.

To everyone in the Cobra community, thank you for the important role you play in making Keystone such an exceptional place. We are a better school for your presence and commitment, and we appreciate you.