Anchored in Christ, We Venture in Hope

And just like that the summer is coming to an unofficial close with the start of Austin Prep’s 2024-2025 academic year. Like you, my summer probably flew by too fast. I hope you found some time to get lost in a book, take a snooze at the water’s edge, or create memories with family and friends. This summer, I took my usual trip to the empty beaches of Chappaquiddick Island to spend time with family, caught up on some reading, and got to enjoy landscape views of the Rocky Mountains.

With students arriving to campus tomorrow for orientation, it is time to introduce the theme for the 2024-2025 academic year. The theme that we’ll use to advance the mission of Austin Prep is adapted from Hebrews (6: 17-19): Anchored in Christ, We Venture in Hope. The New Testament Book of Hebrews encourages dispirited Christians to journey forward in faith. Selected by the School’s leadership team at our annual retreat, that message is an important one to remember as each of us navigate the complex times and divisiveness we encounter far too often in current times.

In the face of coarseness, division, and intolerance, as a Catholic community “we have a place on land to anchor our hope” as St. Augustine said. Through this optimistic theme, we will focus our fellowship, activities, and lessons on advancing veritas, unitas, and caritas. As Pope Francis said, “All education passes from the mind to the heart and from the heart to the hands.”

With hope anchored in Christ, enthusiasm, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence, we’re ready to hit the ground running for the 2024-2025 academic year. I look forward to seeing you around campus at our many athletic and extracurricular events. I welcome the opportunity to catch up with you – or meet you for the first time if you’re new to our community.