May 25, 2017
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
I am notorious for having eyeglasses covered with fingerprints and smudges. I don’t always take the time to slow down and clean them on a regular basis. My mother would often exclaim, with equal parts resignation and frustration, “It’s a wonder you can see anything with those glasses!” She tells me the same thing about the windows in our house, admonishing me for letting them get so dingy. Mothers are always right, of course, and when I do clean them, I really do see and appreciate the difference, seeing the world anew, with a degree of clarity.
Educators are much like windows—they help students see the world in new ways, from different perspectives, and with newfound clarity. Faculty and staff look beyond themselves while providing opportunities for students to see themselves as part of the world and opportunities for students to grow, develop and deeply consider who they are. Educators are a window to what is possible for students’ futures. In doing so, they have a profound impact on the lives of their students.
This year, three long serving educators will retire. After 40 years in education and 28 years of service to MPA, Joe Kordosky is retiring. For countless students, Joe has been a window into themselves—their passions and potential. Putting the needs of students first and promoting the delicate balance of academic, arts, and athletics, Joe has built an athletic program that unequivocally embodies the mission of MPA.
Ellen Turpin has been a pillar of the Lower School for the last four years. Before that, she served 20 years as an assistant in the MPA library. While it is true that Ellen is efficient, organized, and detailed oriented, she is a window into an ethic of service to others. Students, colleagues, and parents describe her as warm, friendly, and compassionate.
Since our school’s founding in 1982, Richard Meacock has been a window through which students have glimpsed into an inclusive world. He has instilled students with the responsibility, courage, confidence, and agency to live lives of meaning and purpose. Richard’s ability to grasp the complexities of the adolescent mind is unmatched. Thousands of students have reached their fullest potential—academically and socially—under his watch.
Past and present parents, colleagues, alumni, friends, and family will honor Kordo and Ellen next Wednesday, May 31 from 3:30–5:30 PM at Hillcrest Golf Club. Please click here to RSVP by tomorrow. A celebration will also be held this summer for Richard. Students will have opportunities throughout the end of the school year to show their appreciation for all three.
A new, permanent fund called the Luminare Fund has been created to honor the legacy of our retirees. Luminare is the Latin word for window, an apt metaphor for the important role educators play in the lives of their students. It will fund programs, opportunities, events, and services that directly serve and inspire our exceptional faculty and staff. The names of those contributing to the Luminare Fund on behalf of each year’s retirees will be presented to them. Please click here to make a donation in their honor.
While it is not easy to say farewell to Kordo, Ellen, and Richard, we do so knowing we are better for the windows into life they have provided for us.
