Wise Words from Thomas Egan

by Lucas Chan ’14

What makes Stuart Hall students unique and well known is their dedication to service and to their community. This year, on January 31, six of our amazing classmates were honored during a weekly chapel for their commitment to making a difference with their achievements in academics, service, and character by The National Honor Society, which prides itself on recognizing talent and achievement in young adults around the nation. Each of the six inducted into the organization shared a few words on what it means to be honored by the society for their character, service, or academics. Our featured guest writer, Thomas Egan ‘14, and one of the inductees for this year, shared his thoughts during the ceremony on the impact of service and character in his life.

“In our community I see great examples of honor and leadership everyday. I watch as teammates and other athletes hold each other in high regard. I realize how leadership roles are taken by anyone on a team. Whether it is the guy who sets an example for others to follow in practice or the coach who gives the pep talk right before the game. I see in our service events and programs how we set up honor with others. In events such as Special Olympics, Race For The Cure, Race Aids to Face Aids, and our senior internships we interact with people who we normally would not meet. We learn more about the world around us and despite how different we may seem we find common ground. Our service committee, the Students In Action, has set up a great example of leadership for service. Reminding us that service is not always measured in how many hours we complete, but also in how we serve and in our consistency. Our school fosters leadership opportunities for students at every available chance. In our past values day students were given the opportunity to lead technological discussions and introductions. Students were able to show their fellow colleagues a whole new use for technology or enlighten us about it. In the academic setting we see how other students take a leadership role. In the classroom a student can take the lead role in a group project or start a classroom discussion. The honor can also be displayed as students respect each other option’s or collaborate on a math or science problem. Our faculty sets examples for other students in their words and actions, as they always live out what they say and do. The faculty also treats students as young adults and gives students a chance to engage in wise freedom. However, they are always there to guide students in both academic and personal matters. Faculty members also introduce students to new opportunities that can lead to new interests and growth. I know many students who have been influenced to new interests based on a teacher who nudges them towards a new sport, service event, or other type of activity. Whether the teacher is Mr. Buckley convincing someone to do cross-country or Mr. Roos encouraging someone to start a new club. These opportunities can allow for new interests to be explored and also help a student find his true purpose. In conclusion, I would like to borrow a quote from Mr. Marquette’s emails. Virginia Satir, a respected author, once said, “feeling of worth can flourish only in an atmosphere where individual differences are appreciated”. I feel both the faculty and staff appreciate every student’s differences. I am proud to be part of a community where people treat each other with such dignity and respect.”

Thomas Egan ‘14