Bishop Seabury Academy

"The late Marian Wilbur brought me into the Seabury family on February 18, 2000. I had a good job and had not been looking for a change. But when Alice, the school dog, met me at the front door of that cozy building in the cornfield, I knew this would be the place for me! Here I am, 25 years later. Teaching the thousands of students I have met about unconditional love and support has brought me so much joy! Educators teach in many places, not just in the classroom!" –"Mama" Betsy Alford Once a Seahawk ... A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS OF BISHOP SEABURY ACADEMY 2024 FALL We embark on another enthusiastic school year! We begin the year with the largest incoming class of sixth graders to date. And, as always, they are a bold and loquacious group. To think we once were concerned whether sixth graders would be intimidated by our high school students…. I often reflect on the privilege of watching young children transform into independent, accomplished young adults. The physical transformation is the most obvious and least wondrous part of that journey. What most amazes me with every single student is the development of their singular, complex personality and intelligence. The singular identity of the rollicking sixth grade classroom gradually differentiates into crystallized identities until we see tall, proud, resilient human beings walk the line at Stepping Up, embracing their longtime teachers, and demonstrating skills and capabilities that can be staggering. One of the reasons why I have been at Bishop Seabury Academy for a quarter century is the same reason parents continue to send their children to us: not all education is the same, and a powerful education is the most important investment a parent can make in their child's future. When we are young, strong forces shape our nature, our identity, and our capacity to see and embrace opportunities. It is easy—for adults as well as children—to simply conform to the rhythms and expectations of the masses. The children and young adults we serve at Seabury have the opportunity to take a more extraordinary path in life. Like many people my age, I was deeply impacted by the film Dead Poets Society and teacher John Keating's admonition to his students: "Make your lives extraordinary." We should always celebrate those who have the courage to accept that mission—and support the institutions who can make the extraordinary possible. Yours respectfully, Dr. Don Schawang Head of School THE ROAD TO EXTRAORDINARY Why Seabury's Mission Endures "I applied to teach at Bishop Seabury Academy in spring 2000 while I finished my dissertation at KU. I only planned on staying for a year, but I fell in love with the school, its mission, and its people. Even among other independent schools, BSA is exceptional with a unique culture and attention to both academic and personal development. I am honored to have spent my professional career serving this community." –Dr. Don Schawang Cheers to 25 Years! Honoring Dr. Schawang and Betsy

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