Commitment

Today is Earth Day at Wakefield – and it is raining! It has rained on Earth Day every year for at least the last four years which means that every year for the last four years our students and faculty have spent the rainy, and often cold, day outside involved in a myriad of activities aimed at improving the environment or increasing awareness of our planet. Never once have the activities been called off, even when the rain was so cold it verged on snow. Yes, certain concessions were made that allowed our students and teachers to eat lunch protected from the inclement weather, but we have not shied away from our commitment to the activities and their related lessons.


Why is this such a big deal? It is notable because we could easily summon any number of valid reasons to throw in the towel and seek shelter. We could reason that the lessons could be taught in the classrooms or lecture hall and that the hands-on experience of witnessing sewage treatment or natural horse hoof care were only added bonuses of the day. However, we have not done that because perseverance and commitment are traits central to the Wakefield community. There are any number of times throughout a school year that one will witness these traits in action. To name a few: the fact that we come to school when nearly every other school is off for snow, the athletes and actors who season after season win championships and stage fabulous productions despite the fact that participation is not compulsory, the very history of our school and its will to survive despite starting over twice in our 34 years, the seniors who every year write and defend a thesis, and the third grade students who stage an original musical each spring and practice only during the school day.

It is Wakefield’s mission to develop capable, ethical, articulate citizens who seek the challenge, make a difference, and live extraordinary lives. Learning perseverance and commitment are central to successfully achieving our mission as in life you cannot successfully seek challenges, make a difference or lead an extraordinary life if you cave to the little voice in your head that says it would be easier if it weren’t raining or it won’t matter if I cut this corner. Our students learn that by ignoring that voice when it nags at them about seemingly small concessions, like rain on Earth Day, they will be happier, more fulfilled people now and in the future.

Bring on the rain!