Wisdom from Our Students
Dear Hill-Murray Community,
I never stop learning from our students — ever. There are times when I think I have it all figured out — that my years of experience have given me more than enough knowledge to be successful. During those times, God provides me with the wisdom and the humility I need to stop and appreciate the beauty and truth around me. Listening to the wisdom that our young people share so beautifully is a gift that God places at my feet on a regular basis. I never stop learning from our students — last week’s Senior Mass proved that yet again…
Isaiah Lee, Class of 2025, delivered the “To Be A Pioneer” speech at the end of our Senior Mass last Friday. He graciously allowed me to share his speech in its entirety. I invite you to read it when you have a quiet moment to reflect. He encouraged the student body to slow down, live intentionally, and appreciate the present before rushing toward the future. Isaiah’s wisdom is well beyond his years, and I appreciate so much that he is able to share this with his classmates who will be graduating this week at the Cathedral of Saint Paul. Please join me in keeping the Class of 2025 in your prayers. They have provided amazing leadership to the younger students at Hill-Murray this year.
We wish them the very best in their next adventure, we will miss the Class of 2025 walking the halls every day.
Perhaps Isaiah’s speech touched me even more deeply as I reflect on my son’s recent college graduation. Earlier this month, Aiden graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
He was also commissioned as a Naval Officer out of Northwestern University’s NROTC program. He is starting nuclear power school in Charleston, with the goal of being stationed on a nuclear submarine. As we celebrated in Chicago, I must admit, while he looked so grown up and mature, I could still see the sweet little boy playing on the swing set in the backyard. You have probably heard me say that parenting will bring you to your knees. It is the hardest thing you will ever do, yet the most incredible journey of love. So many people have supported him and our family on this journey. I am so proud of Aiden and his commitment to serving our country. Aiden is a Hill-Murray alum, and I know that many other Pioneers are out there making a positive difference in the world in so many ways. To all of you, I say thank you.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.
Sincerely,
Melissa Dan, Ed.S.
Hill-Murray School President
