Convocation 2026: A Year of Resilience

The ceremony began at 8:30 a.m. with warm greetings from Board of Trustees President Quentin Streets, who highlighted what makes Bush unique in a chaotic world. 

“You don’t start by changing the world… you start by improving the world around you, and build from there,” shared Board of Trustees President Quentin Streets. “Resilience is baked into that approach, focusing our energy on the things we can influence. Bush is a place where all of us can be seen, and we all have the agency to make an impact. Not just to advance our own interests but for the benefit of something greater.”

Family Association President Joanna Smith shared how small acts of kindness can support growth and connectedness within a community. 

“Our FA goal is to build community by creating opportunities for Bush families to come together,” said Families Association President Joanna Smith. “And in doing so, we get many opportunities to do these simple acts of kindness by contributing time by attending or coordinating a get-together, a dish, or a warm smile.”

Head of School Sarah Smith offered words of encouragement to the Kindergarten class, other new community members beginning their Bush journey, and the class of 2027 who are starting their senior year. She also extended a special welcome to former Head of School Frank Magusin, a mentor and friend.

“We are a resilient community already, and there is still so much more we can learn about the concept that will serve each one of us  well in the years ahead,” Sarah said. “When we believe in the concept of resilience, we are so much more likely to take on challenges about which we are not certain of the outcome, to be less afraid of failure, to accept our mistakes, and to seek ways to learn and grow from them. With resilience, we are more willing to take risks that have the potential to alter our future lives in profound and meaningful ways. ”

Student speakers from each division offered thoughtful advice for their peers. 

“Looking back, I realize my teachers helped me push through Kindergarten by giving me advice like going to the designated calm space and taking deep breaths when I needed to calm down and focus,” said Paul R. ‘34. “Eventually, I learned how to manage my big strong emotions.”

“Bush doesn’t just teach the students about resilience inside a classroom; Bush helps us learn to find our own ways of building resilience outside the classroom – through E-weeks, wilderness trips, E-lectives, Retreats, and so many other ways,” said Xander H. ’31.

“During my first day at Bush, I remember how fast my heart was beating during lunch, when I was faced with tables of students I didn't know at all,” said Avery M.-L. ’27. “Over time, unfamiliar faces became close friends, and Bush became a place I felt comfortable in…High school brought a different kind of uncertainty: harder classes, new classmates, and higher expectations. Still, I persisted, surviving civics, advanced chemistry (which has taught me that I am definitely not destined to be a chemist), and US History. Over time, those challenges that were once intimidating became familiar too, and now my senior class and I can look back and say, "Look how far we've come."

Convocation concluded with eager parents and guardians buzzing toward the K-12 Volunteer Fair, and students darting to their first classes, ready to tackle the unknown with resilience and a desire to contribute to a thriving,  diverse, inclusive, equitable, and joyful community. Go Blazers!