It has been a difficult week for the Shorecrest community following the tragic loss of Graham Floto '25. It is challenging to make sense of the senseless, to wade through grief while comforting our students, and to process our community’s loss while dealing with unknown facts and speculation. We are committed to honoring Graham, to supporting the Floto family, and to providing resources and comfort to our grieving students and faculty.
For the second time this year, our faculty and staff have been on the frontlines of helping children grieve. We have provided spaces and opportunities for students to process a tragic event, while also trying to provide a much-needed sense of normalcy. Amidst shock and profound sadness, our amazing teachers and staff have shown unshakable resolve and commitment to their students and to one another.
Like our approach to teaching and learning at Shorecrest, our approach to providing comfort is student-centered. Before making a decision about whether or not to postpone the Upper School production this week, our performing arts faculty and Upper School counselor gathered the cast and crew together to hear what they were thinking and feeling. Together they decided to cancel the planned post-party, but to continue with the show. At last night’s sold out opening performance of "Mamma Mia!" I was reminded of the power of being together and the value of art to provide solace. I was struck by the resilience and commitment of our student performers, who provided their audience with a few hours of comfort and necessary distraction. Reflecting so many different emotions, there were tears of joy and pain throughout the evening.
These past few days we have seen our entire community extend love, care and empathy to one other. From students showing extra care and support to their grieving peers, to SCA's immediate action to provide food, to our youngest Chargers offering wisdom to the "big kids" through art, we are blessed to have the bonds of the Shorecrest community to strengthen and sustain us through this tragedy.
Through the variety of faith and family traditions represented on campus, I know our community members will keep the memories of Graham close to their hearts, and continue to send healing and hope to his family and friends. The Floto family will hold a remembrance for Graham Floto on Monday, April 24 at 2pm in the Crisp Gym on campus. All are welcome to attend.
With appreciation,
Nancy
