Head of School Blog

After eight years, an era has officially come to an end. Gabe and Seth, the two longest-enrolled students at The Edison School, have graduated from high school.

The reality hit me last week as I surveyed the parking lot and noticed their cars were missing. For a moment, I stood there and let our eight-year journey flash before me.

I was fortunate to have a front-row seat to their lives. When they enrolled in the 2018–2019 school year—my first year at Edison—they were little, wide-eyed boys, unsure of themselves and wary of another new school. Hurt by adults before, they kept their guard up, quietly testing whether Edison could be trusted.

That first year was full of trying to figure each other out. Many of the teachers they started with have since moved on, but in recent years they’ve enjoyed rare stability with the same educators pouring into their lives. That consistency helped them with their academics, but more importantly, it gave them space to learn about character, resilience, and friendship.

I’ve watched them struggle to make connections, only to build a deep, abiding brotherhood with each other. I’ve seen them slowly lower their walls and share struggles they once kept hidden. They’ve patiently endured my many “lectures” about life, leadership, and character. Of course, they also loved the day I was their homeroom teacher and butchered a word in our quote of the day. Seth instantly caught the mistake and made sure to share it with Gabe in our Google Classroom. That one error has been a running joke they have enjoyed for years. 

This year, the three of us met regularly to talk about what comes after Edison— my beliefs on leadership, keeping your word, why character matters more than reputation, and what I believe is the surest path to a fulfilled life: choosing to serve others. Legacy has been a buzzword for the past several years, so we even discussed that and how it tends to take care of itself when you consistently do the right thing.

Eight years felt far too short. Gabe and Seth have transformed from those hesitant little boys into confident young men ready to make their mark on the world. One message I often repeat was this: always leave people better than you found them. They did exactly that for me. I am a better person, and a better educator, because they were part of my life. 

To their parents—thank you for trusting us with your sons. To Gabe and Seth, I am incredibly proud of you both. Remember, I’m only a phone call or text away, anytime you need anything. Thank you for an unforgettable eight years.