December 16, 2011
by Jackie Rider
Dear Andrew,
Congratulations on your new appointment in the Chappaqua Schools. Many of us wish you all the best and know you will continue to dedicate yourself to serving the families of Chappaqua as you have done for many years.
I will always remember your remarks to the graduating class of 2010. In a
few eloquent words you challenged and inspired the young adults gathered
whom you had helped shepherd through the past four years of high school.
With humor and playfulness you urged them to think not just about amassing
credentials or wealth. You encouraged them to look beyond themselves and
seek opportunities to help others and better the world they will inherit.
Unlike our past superintendent, you did not adopt a posture of arrogant
aloofness the entire ceremony. Nor were you tediously self referential,
like other speakers that day. (Note to administrators and officials:
commencement is not about you.)
Rather, with a simple grace you congratulated the graduates on their
youthful accomplishments and reminded them they’re just getting started
and there is much more to do. You gently directed their sights to a broader
horizon on their journey to adulthood and citizenship in a very global
community.
Being an educator in a school district like ours has never been easy, and
it seems to grow more stressful and thankless every day. My thanks to you
and the many gifted and dedicated teachers who work for and with
Chappaqua’s students and parents.
Good luck!
Jackie Rider
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