Winning
Source/Author: Mike Murphy, Headmaster
November 09, 2018
The dictionary I looked at while thinking about this article had two definitions for the word “winning.” Definition 2:” attractive; endearing,” provides some food for thought.
“That guy's a winner.”
“She has a winning smile.”
“That’s a winner.”
When the attractive and endearing definition is applied to the word winning, we acknowledge that winning can happen in athletics, arts, academics, service and personal behavior. I like to be around winners. Who doesn’t? Being around attractive and endearing people makes us better people.
In recent weeks, I have observed and heard about some special winners and wins at Shorecrest. “Puss and Boots the Musical” and “The Little Mermaid, JR.” were winning performances with winning actors and actresses. Our fall Athletic teams have been regular winners. Winning performances have thrust a golfer, swimmers, divers, cross country runners, the football team and the volleyball team into state level competitions.
I think our cheerleaders and the fans that are following our teams have modeled winning attitudes. As much as I appreciate the performance of our student-athletes, the spirit and antics of our fans are as endearing as any victory.
Those of us who observe our youngest students presenting their projects to classmates often see winning presentations. I have no doubt that family members observed many winning performances at Poetry in the Park. During conference day, I know that many families learned of winning achievements of children of all ages.
What does winning do for us? Winning begets more winning. Winning is habit-forming. That is one of the reasons we want our children and teachers to be surrounded by appealing and endearing people and events. Once one knows what winning looks and feels like, we tend to want more.
Winning the World Series, a huge business contract, an election, or some other life-changing event is hopefully a goal or ambition for all of our children. Being a parent who rears a well-balanced, independent and confident child may be one of the greatest wins imaginable. That achievement, in all likelihood, will result in hundreds and thousands of more victories in life.
I encourage all community members to bring your younger children to see the athletic and artistic events hosted by our Middle School and Upper School. We want our youngest students to be excited and looking forward to the days when they will put on a Charger uniform or perform on the stage creating their own winning moments.
Cheers!
Mike
