March 2, 2026
from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending an event sponsored by St. Catherine University in connection with the Manitou Fund, featuring Kelly Hall-Tompkins, world-renowned violinist and entrepreneur. Watching and listening to her play arrangements from “Fiddler on the Roof” and other pop and classical pieces gave me goosebumps. Her music transported my mind into an imaginary space of wonder and creativity.
Following her performance, she and Sarah Hicks, also world-renowned for her orchestral conducting, came together to reflect on their past, present, and future experiences as female leaders. Together, they spoke about the importance of knowing and creating one’s own sense of belonging. During the Q&A, Kelly Hall-Tompkins shared a reflection that resonated deeply with me as I think about education, our students, and the world we are preparing them to navigate. I will do my best to paraphrase what she offered:
“There is no doubt that you will fall or fail. It’s how quickly you get back up and try again that will determine your ability to succeed. You might see what you believe to be the result in the distance, but if you don’t get there, what did you learn along the way? Where did the journey take you?”
Her words lingered with me, and I see that same message reflected in our own community.
Last Friday afternoon, I attended our annual Upper School Snow-Daze event. It had been nearly 15 years since I last wore a pair of ice skates. With the help of a “walker,” I made it around the rink once before deciding it might be better for me to cheer and observe others as they confidently (and sometimes nervously) made their way across the ice. Students of all levels took to the rink. I watched them encourage one another, hold hands, laugh, fall, and get back up again.
Later, while sitting with another chaperone, we shared in our observations. This colleague spoke about the Deep Portage Trip and how proud they were that so many students chose to attempt the more challenging climbing wall. Despite many falling on their first try, students persisted. The possibility of falling did not keep them from pushing forward, and upward.
The connection was unmistakable. The resilience Kelly Hall-Tompkins described during her Q&A was all around me. Our students are learning that falling is not failure; it is part of growth.
This spirit of persistence is not an isolated moment. In just the past two weeks, I can name numerous instances across all three divisions where I have witnessed, or heard about, individuals, teams, groups, and entire classes demonstrating determination, courage, and faith in themselves and one another.
Two weeks ago, I met with alums in New York who echoed this same sentiment. Many shared how MPA created a supportive environment that both pushed them and allowed them to stumble, reflect, and rise again. They spoke about the relationships they formed with classmates and teachers, and how the academic preparation and culture of encouragement continue to shape how they engage with the world and define success on their own terms.
When I step back and connect these moments—the music, the ice rink, the climbing wall, the classroom, and the stories of alumni—I see a consistent thread. MPA is a community that encourages risk-taking, celebrates effort, and understands that belonging is built through shared experience, perseverance, and care for one another.
Every time I reflect on both the big and small moments at MPA, my Panther Pride deepens.
As we approach spring break, I wish each of you time for rest, reflection, care, and joy. I look forward to welcoming everyone back in two weeks, ready to continue the journey together.
