On Tuesday, three of our Engineering students presented their plan for a trash ejector to NASA scientists and aspiring astronauts. This was the final presentation as part of the NASA HUNCH (High Schools United with NASA to Create Hardware) program, which invites students in schools all across the country to attempt to solve a variety of challenges facing our space program. Of all the teams in all the schools throughout the United States, our students’ project was selected as one of five to share their prototype at Johnson Space Center in Houston. 

Wednesday morning, while still in Houston, I met with an alum from the Class of 1993. As is always the case when I meet with alums, he shared great memories of his time at Shattuck, and he mentioned one teacher in particular who he said was formative to his life. I asked if he knew what she was doing these days, and it was clear he didn’t know. But his face lit up, and he said, “I need to do some searching and find out.”

The previous weekend, Courtney, the boys, and I–along with about twelve other volunteers–helped River Bend Nature Center plant over 250 trees throughout their property. During the process, we planted a variety of different species, each thoughtfully chosen because they are native and their diversity adds to the health of the woods around them. In order to keep our teenagers engaged in this endeavor, we named each tree we planted. There were some bad tree puns to be sure (I believe the first one Joe named was, “Tree-ty of Versailles.”).

All of these anecdotes follow a similar theme: legacy. 

The director of the NASA HUNCH program talked about how the engineers, seeing these student presentations, may take an idea from one group and bring in an idea from another group to ultimately create a trash ejector for a space shuttle or station. Legacy.

This teacher, who left Shattuck St. Mary’s in 1992 has no idea this man credits her with helping form who he is today. Legacy.

Those saplings will one day be trees creating shade for some future River Bend visitor to relax beneath during a hike in the woods. Legacy.

Three weeks ago, one of our seniors, Sam Horstman, gave his senior speech on his understanding of legacy. He told us, “Legacy is often thought of as something distant, something tied to the past. But in reality, it is built through everyday actions tagged along with hard work. It is formed by the way we live, the values we uphold, and the example we leave behind.”

Sam, I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Legacy can be visible and prominent. We need look no further than Gordie Stafford and his legacy as he retires from Shattuck: ten national championships and the best girls’ hockey program in the country. Man is that impressive.

More often than not, however, legacy is quiet and in the background. We just don’t hear about it, so we don’t think about it. 

Shattuck St. Mary’s is a leading academic, athletic, and arts powerhouse because of the combination of visible and quiet legacy. There are thousands of individuals who have given money to our school over the years to allow us to continue our mission and produce alums who add to the legacy.

You are a key part of that legacy. And for that, we thank you.