By Victoria John
Middle School Latin Teacher, Lakehill Preparatory School
It’s Monday morning. Still tired, I drag my rolling bag through the parking lot up the inclined sidewalk and into school. The enticing smell of coffee jolts my senses. Then I remember – the Commons.
As I weave my way through the Upper School hall, I see former students chatting at their lockers. I hear the early morning buzz of a new day mingled with excitement. I feel my cheeks lifting in a smile and hear my voice saying, “Good morning!”
Connor Cumpton comes up to me to share his latest skating success. I pass Emily Allton and congratulate her on her state cross-country victory. Jackson Vickery turns with his signature friendly smile and says, “Hi, Ms. John.”
I’m grateful to be teaching at a school where I know most of the students. Grogginess has given way to renewed energy. It’s not the caffeine but the feel of community that awakens me.
Lakehill has a brand new gathering place – the Commons. It has now become our own neighborhood coffee house filled with students, teachers, and parents.
I get many perks from this. It forces me to leave my home in the Middle School hall. It begins my day by reminding me why I love teaching at Lakehill – it feels like a home. It gives me the chance to get reacquainted with previous students. Once they move on to Upper School, graduation comes quickly. While I see them on the stage or the playing field, I don’t always have a chance to interact.
How lucky we are to have this new addition to Lakehill. It gives the students the opportunity to practice their entrepreneurial skills while welcoming the rest of the school. In serving us, they build community.
Hudson Trent is there every morning. I see Hudson’s involvement all over Lakehill. Whether in sports, Homecoming, or offering advice to another student, Hudson epitomizes Lakehill. He is a genuine example of what makes Lakehill tick, what gives us that sense of being part of something larger than each of us.
In my twelfth year here, I still find ways to appreciate the gifts Lakehill offers. Let’s give a big hand to Bob Yttredahl, Jamie Thorne, and sophomores Emily Allton, Sydney Firsching, and Hannah Cavouti for starting this new tradition and for creating a common ground for sharing a cheerful “Good Morning.”
Here on the pulse of this new day
You may have the grace to look up and out
And into your sister’s eyes,
Into your brother’s face, your country
And say simply
Very simply
With hope
“Good morning.”
– Maya Angelou