From the Head of School

JONATHAN W.R. LAMB

Dear Storm King Family,

It was about this time last year when The Storm King School, along with the rest of the world, shifted into pandemic mode. Some in Asia, Europe, and other parts of the globe had already paused or shut down, and here on the Mountain, we were just beginning.

When we moved our entire program to a remote platform during last year’s spring break, we had no clear idea of the outcome. Faculty, students, and staff all worked together through the initial days of the crisis culminating in a successful conclusion of the school year. Last summer, as our country was grappling with social justice issues and widespread unrest, our administrators, faculty, and staff members continued to work tirelessly to design a plan for the reopening of our campus for the 2020-2021 school year.

In one sense, all of us know that we are passing through one of the most traumatic periods we have ever faced. In another sense, for all of the doubt and suffering we’ve experienced, we have also learned how resilient we are.

Today, we are two months away from our 153rd Commencement, successfully and healthfully teaching, learning, working, and playing on our campus while we extend our program online to students around the world. The fortitude and grace exhibited by our students, parents, faculty, and staff members throughout this time is a testament to the character and resilience of each and every member of the Storm King community.

In this issue of On the Mountain, you will find articles about our programs, and the experiences of our students, faculty, and alumni that highlight this character and resilience. In addition, stories about our Alumni Humanitarian Award and Arts Award recipients demonstrate the true spirit of giving back which is so important at Storm King.

In celebration of Black History Month, this issue also puts a special focus on the achievements of some of our alumni, current students, and faculty members of color, and their perspectives surrounding social justice and Storm King’s history of diversity. Their voices reflect our continuous commitment to becoming the very best version of what we can be as a school and as a community.

Toward this end, one step the School has taken is the formation of a faculty committee focused on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). This group will be discussing ways to ensure everyone in our community is informed, educated, and involved in this vital topic. As the work of the committee moves forward, we will look for ways to involve students, teachers, parents, and alumni. You can expect more news on the work of the DEI Committee in future issues.

Now, with the spring weather upon us, and vaccinations gaining momentum, the future is brightening once again for all of us. The lessons we’ve learned during this past year have served to remind us that we still have work to do and adjustments to make in the weeks and months ahead. But, the perseverance and adaptability shown to date by all gives me confidence that, as a community, The Storm King School will emerge from these difficult times stronger and more capable than ever.

Jonathan W.R. Lamb