50p
Celebrating the Silent Majority
All too often there is a tendency to recognize only those academics, athletes and artists who do wonderfully heroic and impressive things. To be sure, they are newsworthy. They deserve the accolades because we all aspire to be the best that we can be; we appreciate those who take it to the highest of levels. This being said, and taking nothing away from the scores of highly accomplished students at our school, I would like to pay homage to the unsung majority: those students who are trying their best and are having a great time doing it.
For those who know me, I am ‘follicularly-challenged’; in short, I am bald. I have a theory about when it all started. Though I coached basketball at the varsity level for almost 20 years, I truly believe that it was my one year coaching Junior “B” Girls volleyball that caused my hair to fall out. Why? Because the energy, enthusiasm, laughter, anxiety, emotional-rollercoaster-ride-of-a-season spent dealing with young girls all learning volleyball at the same time as playing in a league was something I have never experienced before or since. My head still spins thinking about that season. I think that we spent more time figuring out the team cheer and celebration ritual than learning how to pass, but that was alright. It was about having fun and learning at the same time. Personally, it was also the most fun I had coaching in my entire life!
While Brentwood College has many highly competitive “A” or “First” teams, we also have a plethora of “B” teams and even a few “C” teams. These teams and their leagues are designed for the students who simply want to play a team sport, to learn a sport, and to enjoy the benefits of teamwork. We also have beginner or entry levels in our academic programmes and throughout our extensive artistic programmes. Many students come to us with no prior experience in most areas. This is often why many students come to Brentwood, so they can be exposed to new things and be part of something that wasn’t available in their last school. Our school is about spreading wings and learning as much as we can about ourselves.
So here is to our oft under-recognized masses; to members of a beginner art programme, sports team or academic class. I tip my hat to all of you who are willing to try something new. I salute your energy, your courage, your commitment, your laughter, and your ability to help put everything in perspective for the rest of us.