2019-20 Reflection: We Are the Light

We Are the Light by Eric Buell, Director of Catholic Identity

As the 2019-2020 school year began, our faculty and staff gathered to examine 25 quotes from the letters of venerable Nano Nagle. The intent of this exercise was to adopt a quote from our foundress in order to keep our mission front and center for our students. One quote that was taken by a number of faculty declared: “The best works meet with the greatest crosses.”

No one could have guessed how the school year would have ended when a variety of committees collaborated to choose our school theme for this year: “We Are the Light.” Looking to capture the spirit of Nano Nagle venturing continually out into uncertain conditions, guided by the light of her lantern and the convictions of her faith in Jesus, she zealously dedicated herself to the education of the forgotten. During our liturgical celebrations, our students began each Mass or prayer service singing Unspoken’s “Start a Fire” and ended each Mass joyfully proclaiming “This Little Light of Mine.”

Guided by Nano’s initial footsteps, Presentation graduates are encouraged to be women of faith and intelligence, and committed to their personal growth and the service to others. In the pages of this magazine you will see countless examples of our senior class who exemplified our theme and our graduation outcomes, especially those seniors receiving special honors including our Nano Nagle award recipient, Kathy Barajas ’20.

In our first quarter, students reflected with their mentors on what it means to walk in the light of God and had the opportunity to nominate students who reflected this core idea. Our students nominated 285 unique individuals as people who were clear examples. In addition to Kathy Barajas ’20, our students honored three others. Kiara Francisco ’21 who was highlighted for constantly strengthening her relationships and being a continued positive presence for her friends and peers. Mrudula Chodavarapu ’22 was honored for creating an organization that makes beanies for cancer patients. Danica Kubota ’23 was nominated by her peers as they continually called out her generosity and positive presence to everyone she passes in the hallways. Paige Jackson ’21 and Faguni Gupta ’21 served as leaders of the freshman retreat. Paige gave a heartfelt talk to the freshmen regarding her faith in God and how she nourishes

that faith through prayer and community. Faguni Gupta ’21 gave an inspirational talk on the legacy of Nano Nagle, and how Faguni finds inspiration in the life, strength, courage and faith of Nano Nagle. Sonya Smith ’20 spoke about personal challenges that could have interfered with faith, but how she found great strength in God through her relationships and in the faith community at Pres. Overall, there were 22 peer ministers who served as small group leaders on freshman retreat, and who led the freshmen in community-building activities, faith sharing and reflection.

As 2020 began, our focus turned to fine-tuning the light within. We were delighted to welcome Dr. Sandra (Chap) Chapman from Little Red School House & Elisabeth Irwin High School in New York, who helped our students recognize the inherent dignity in every human person through our Community Development Week, which focused on diversity. Throughout the week, our students and faculty participated in a culture fair, student panels, and other programs which highlighted the rich diversity represented in our faith community. In the months leading up to the week, students spent time developing their own workshops to lead for their peers and faculty on Student Development Day, where they had the opportunity to share an aspect of their own light within, while teaching all attendees how to be compassionate, empathetic, and understanding of the light shining too, within all people, across an array of topics.

As we closed our final quarter together, our theme, “We Are the Light” discussed our call to be the light for the world and how our graduates develop and nurture their own intelligence, faith, growth and ability to serve. What better way to “shine” in these past two months than to sacrifice all of our “normal” ways of being Presentation, for the health and safety of one other. We are tremendously proud of the students who walked the halls this year and who had to create Presentation in the confines of their own home. I think this makes sense though, as it was Nano Nagle herself who went from home to home, seeking children in need of education. The extended Presentation community should be proud that we all have contributed to continuing her work even while separated from our campus and each other.