a tradition of care, support, and compassion
No one goes through life unscathed.
Our station, notwithstanding, it’s a given that somewhere along the way, we’ll experience some degree of strife, conflict, even turbulent times that will, to paraphrase Thomas Paine, try our souls.
At Collegiate, no one travels the difficult path alone.
You see, mutual care, support, and compassion are truly part of the culture of the school.
Always have been. Always will be.
On Valentine’s Day 2008, we lost Brian McGill, a veteran member of our physical plant staff who had become an expert heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technician and who always had a friendly word for everyone.
When news of his passing spread, we came together, mourned together, shared Brian stories that made us laugh and cry, and did all we could to ease each other’s, and his family’s, pain.
To this day, when I pass the tree that was planted in his memory or talk to the men and women with whom he worked most closely or just think about our many informal conversations, I can still picture him vividly, hear his voice, see his warm smile.
I know many of his other colleagues can as well.
This past Monday, three years to the day after Brian’s death, many of us assembled at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church to honor the memory of Ray Cullen, whose wife Ann has taught in our Middle School since 1980.
Ray had battled cancer for several years, but even as his time grew short, he displayed a faith, fearlessness, and resolute spirit that buoyed his family and friends.
He was a 1966 Virginia Military Institute graduate, a retired businessman, an accomplished gardener, and, in a fitting description expressed so often in recent weeks, a Renaissance man.
He was also one of the all-time good guys.
Suffice it to say that the Collegiate community has rallied around the Cullen family, just as it has for many, many others who have experienced losses.
The immediate logistical task on the day of the service was providing coverage for 30-plus Middle School faculty and staff, but several colleagues volunteered to remain behind and members of the senior class responded within minutes to an administrative request to pitch in and supervise classes.
"I was moved, awed, and inspired by how many of our seniors rallied so quickly to support members of our community,” said Upper School head Ben Rein.
“This is yet another example of the leadership our seniors are providing."
The thought of leaving a school division in the hands of precious few adults and a large contingent of 17 and 18 year olds might seem risky, but folks at Collegiate have always willingly and maturely answered the call.
“I wasn’t the least bit worried about how our seniors and middle schoolers would conduct themselves,” said MS head Charlie Blair.
“It makes me very proud.”
The general sentiment among the seniors was that their service was simply an opportunity to help out and a labor of love, certainly not an act for which they wanted credit.
“This shows once again that Collegiate looks after its own,” said assistant MS head Debbie Miller Monday afternoon.
“It shows what a caring community we’re part of.”
Ann plans to return to school full time this coming Monday.
While life for her will never be the same, what is certain is that her Collegiate family will provide in some small measure the wind beneath her wings.
“Collegiate has many traditions,” said Sally Chambers, MS guidance counselor.
“One of the strongest is the idea that we take care of each other.
“If you’re part of our community, there’re always people who will reach out to you in your time of need.”
