Dear Husky Community,
Today marks our Head of Schools, David Maher’s last day on campus. Words cannot express our gratitude to him for all that he’s done for our school these last 6 years. So, I simply want to say “thank you”. He led our schools with grace and respect. He endured personal crises that many of us would have said it's time to take some time off, but he didn’t. He was the bridge from a school that had operated for most of its history under the guidance of one man, Peter McCormack to a new chapter with Amy Hollinger coming on board. No doubt he paved the way for many of the initiatives that will be coming down the pike with her.
As part of the Husky family, David has demonstrated his profound commitment to our Schools’ mission of finding the potential in every student. David’s accomplishments include the successful WASC re-accreditation of both RHP and REN; hiring the most experienced and diverse leadership team in the Schools’ history; the renovation and installation of the Adam Z. Rice Memorial Theater; the approval to be a candidate school for an RHP International Baccalaureate for Middle School Years Programme; introduction of three specialized diploma programs; creation of admissions agreements with both the University of LaVerne and Marymount California University; and most recently the launch of our newest school, REACH Elementary and Middle Schools.
And while these accomplishments are easy to see, David’s signature one-on-one relationships with students, parents, guardians, faculty, and staff are equally important and cherished. No doubt, his big smile, and genuine charisma will be missed by all. David has been the embodiment of our four pillars – disciplined minds, sound character, healthy bodies, and creative spirits. As evident in the talent of our faculty, staff, and students, his leadership will positively affect our community for years to come.
On behalf of the Trustees as well as those who have worked with David over the past 6 years, we express our deepest gratitude for his leadership and friendship. I know that I speak on behalf of our entire Husky community when I say thank you, David. We wish you and your family all the best. We appreciate your endurance, determination, persistence, dedication, and love for each of our schools. Thank you for your leadership, but most importantly thank you for your friendship. We will miss you.
I would be remiss if on behalf of the board of trustees I didn’t acknowledge the incredibly hard work of so many dedicated people at our schools these past 15 months. Our teachers have been phenomenal in delivering courses by teaching remote-only, remote and in-person, back to remote-only and then back to school with most of the students here. I couldn’t imagine teaching biology without a lab component to reinforce the learning? Or teaching the skills of photography and the camera without being in front of the camera with your student? Or teaching kids how to act without a stage? Every teacher encountered these challenges, but they overcame them. I know it was difficult. It wasn’t fun at times, but they prevailed. They endured and most importantly they demonstrated to our kids that resilience and perseverance are life skills that all of us need to learn. Thank you to all the teachers on campus for what they’ve done for our schools during the pandemic. They truly sacrificed so we owe them a debt of gratitude.
And, finally, our staff was the wind beneath the wings of our teachers. They were the glue that kept our community together. Despite COVID, we continued with so many of our traditions, virtually with the staff's help. We held our first TurkeyTrot, our first grill & chill online, our admissions coffees and Discovery Days online, our Coffee Houses and musicals. The staff made our campus safe for us to return and they instituted protocols to ensure all of our well-being. The combined efforts of our faculty and staff made school and learning possible this year and we are all very grateful for their tremendous work.
Congratulations graduates and congratulations to the Boys Basketball team for winning another CIF championship!
I want to wish our entire community a happy and healthy summer and I look forward to next year when we can hopefully spend more time in person and welcome our new Head of Schools Amy Hollinger into the Husky Family.
Sincerely,
Chloe Reid Boutelle
Chair, Board of Trustees
Parent ’22
Pictured Above: Today, we celebrated the Class of 2021 and Sana Asifriyaz addressed her class as valedictorian. We are immensely proud of everything our seniors have accomplished and we look forward to witnessing their continued adventures in the future. Congratulations and, as always, once a Husky, always a Husky!
You may view a recording of commencement by
clicking the button below.
