Head of School’s Notebook – This Must Be The Place
February 21, 2025
During the Sunset Ceremony this fall, senior Henry Koepp delivered a beautiful and clever speech referencing the Talking Heads lyrics “Home is where I want to be” as he welcomed us all back to the Mesa. Not only is that song one of my personal favorites, but its title This Must Be The Place so beautifully captures our collective sentiment about the Mesa.
We all have our own stories about what this place invites in and between us. For me, when I think of what this place invites in me beyond anything related to my job, I feel that this is the place where I belong, I call home, I can be myself, I feel at ease, I can discover more, and I experience awe in our surroundings and our people.
Here are some snapshots of what this place invites us to experience and celebrate:
Walk across campus on any given day when the sun is out (which is most days) and you are likely to come across a scene like this. Students in French played a spirited game of Pétanque in Mr. Cherel’s advanced class, offering a joyful connection to language to seniors.
This year’s International Convocation celebrated the beautiful range of experiences, talents, and stories in our community. Dances and musical performances offered many students the opportunity to share parts of their identity with joy and celebration to a packed audience.
Winter Formal was a much-needed moment of celebration and frivolity in the midst of a hectic February. As a server, I had so much fun connecting with students all evening, and working alongside colleagues to make the evening fun for everyone.
Nothing says “school spirit” like a home game with a packed student section! Our community has been coming out in large numbers to support their peers on the court, on the fields, and even through livestreams from afar. You can’t beat the Blue when it comes to energy in the crowd!
Moments like this give me pause. A moment of serenity in our moving, changing world offer each of us an opportunity to reflect, be grateful, and breathe. After all, leadership, in its many forms, is not just action – it is reflection and connection to the small things that make our community unique.