Head of School Letter: A Week of Exploration
Source/Author: Nancy L. Spencer, Head of School
April 12, 2024
During the past five days the Upper School embarked on a week of exploration with our 13th annual Service Week and a newly designed Career Day, including a student panel about the college application process. It was a full week of learning outside of the classroom which provided unique insights and experiences for our Upper School Chargers.
Service Week is a long-standing Upper School tradition which opens up opportunities for students to become better involved in doing something for the community. It also helps students discover a passion for service and gain knowledge and compassion toward the world and the people in it. With faculty supervision, students work together in small teams as they live the school's Mission of a commitment to social responsibility, using the time this week to dive deep into helping our community in ways that otherwise would not be possible.
Volunteer opportunities were varied, with student supporting organizations within our local community such as the Sunshine Center for Seniors, St. Pete Youth Farm and Empath Health. We also continued our service relationships with national organizations, sending volunteers to Goodwill Industries, the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity. There were groups of students who focused on animal rescue organizations such as Seaside Seabird Sanctuary and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
Environmental impact and sustainability were a component of interest as well, as students and faculty members worked on beach clean-up projects and the Steward Urban Lakes project. Other groups focused on food insecurity, spending time with The Kind Mouse, Feeding Tampa Bay, 15th Street EcoFarm and Empty Bowls. Again this year, students traveled across the country to work with residents of the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota and to support the infrastructure in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. There were a wide variety of projects designed to provide choice and based on student interests. [Service Week photos]
Exploration and connection of a different kind took place on Monday of this past week, when Upper Schoolers attended a career day event called “Building Future Connections,” sponsored by the Upper School STEAM Club, the Career Club and The Ross Roeder Institute. Students had the opportunity to discover diverse career paths and meet with over 20 professionals who are shaping tomorrow’s world. Speakers included business leaders, Shorecrest alumni and parents from a variety of industries and at different stages of their careers. The day included two keynote speakers and two breakout sessions, with opportunities for students to ask questions and make connections. Students appreciated the “real life” perspective and thoughtful insights of experts in their fields. Their words and experiences made a real impact on our students, who were excited to learn about so many opportunities that exist for their future.
Monday’s event concluded with an all-Senior Panel presentation, with six twelfth graders speaking to their fellow Upper Schoolers about their college application journey. It was a powerful session in the Janet Root Theatre, with seniors who have less than a month left in their high school career providing unvarnished advice and perspective about their college counseling and admissions process. They told their stories and answered questions from younger students. “Start early” and “make good use of the resources available to you from the College Counseling Office” was the most compelling advice from our Seniors.
It was a wonderful week! Looking ahead to next week’s Celebration of the Arts, I encourage you to join us for the spring musical production of "The Drowsy Chaperone" on April 18-20 in the Janet Root Theatre at 7pm. Winner of five Tony Awards including Best Book and Best Original Score, “The Drowsy Chaperone” is a loving send-up of the Golden Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another. The show features students in grades 8-12 and is rated PG. Tickets are on sale now!
All the best,
Nancy
