Black Out - Rain Out - Flock Out or Flexibility, Support and Humor
Source/Author: Mike Murphy, Headmaster
October 03, 2014
This past weekend, I was able to witness some of the very best examples of Shorecrest community spirit. First, my wife Robin and I played host to The Experiential School parents at our home. Under the leadership of Matt Frey, we were prepared for an evening of camaraderie and games. What we weren’t prepared for was a 90-minute power outage that blacked out the entire Old NE, St. Pete. But with cell phone flashlights, a few candles, and a boatload of flexible spirits we did not let the darkness or drizzle spoil the evening!
My second dose of Shorecrest community spirit came Saturday morning. While the Bowling Team did environmental clean-up at Crescent Lake, the Shorecrest Swim Team, with Coaches Nardozzi, Steele, and Mooren, was engaged in the preliminary races for the City Swim Meet at North Shore Pool. The Chargers placed many of our swimmers for the finals, which were scheduled for 4:00pm. The first race of the finals saw the Girls 4x200 medley relay team break the city and school records. Lightning flashed soon afterward and the meet was cancelled. The storm also led to the cancellation of Shorecrest Night at the Rowdies.
Finally, overnight, 50 pink, plastic flamingos flocked to our home with a note informing us that we had been flocked by a friend and could keep the birds for three days before we pass them on to the next good neighbor. Our neighborhood enjoyed the flamingo garden. Since one of the flamingos was wearing a “Shorecrest Be More” car decal, we suspect a member of our direct community added the good cheer to our home.
To sum it up, this weekend, not unlike many others, was filled with students and parents volunteering, students working to achieve high standards with parents and peers cheering them on. There were acts of generosity, kindness, support and humor.
Let’s remember that every day there are students, teachers, parents and other members of the community doing great things for each other and for the greater community. As I witnessed again this weekend, emotionally healthy people seek out the positive elements of every situation. They strengthen our community and model for our students and parents authentic leadership and citizenship.
Cheers!
Mike
Mike
