What if it's about living a good life?

Live Compassion

When we say that the central promise we can make our students is that we will Know, Love, and Challenge them every day, we’re making a promise that’s rooted in compassion—that’s rooted in the “each” of our mission. We know from recent research that compassionate people are less vulnerable to loneliness and stress; they are more optimistic and supportive; they are better friends and spouses; and they are less vindictive. They choose to focus on what’s going right in their lives instead of what’s going wrong. In other words, compassionate people want to live good lives rather than merely make good livings. Isn’t this exactly what we want for all our children—today and into their futures? We’ve been given the answer to the riddle of what it takes to lead a happy life, and it is compassion.

Presbyterian School is taking up the task of training the next generation of leaders to understand that some of the greatest achievements of our time have been born out of courageous and compassionate service and that some of our most successful leaders subscribe to the adage that true leadership is about action and not position.

Relationships across generations are important, and our youngest students make time for their grandparents and special friends to come on campus.

Seventh and eighth grade students host a Special Olympics for Avondale House students at the School’s Outdoor Education Campus.

The annual Lower and Middle School Field Day joins students from different grade levels in teams, and new relationships are formed as older students help younger students.

Eighth grader Will Barboza likes helping his buddy, Kindergartener Preston Stahlbaum.

Fifth and sixth grade students spend a day of service at the Houston Food Bank.

meet Audrey Beathard

Presbyterian School ’08| St. Agnes Academy ’12| Clemson University ’16

At Presbyterian School I loved the class trip opportunities we had. They allowed me to have experiences I would typically never have. I learned to be flexible and try new things.

I began Presbyterian School in seventh grade and received incredible support from the faculty. I had the most incredible relationship with the School’s headmaster, Mr. Johnson. He encouraged me in school and athletics and was my biggest fan. I will never forget shooting free throws with Mr. Johnson standing on the baseline by the basket and cheering me on. He frequently asked how my schoolwork and season were going and if there was anything he could do to help me. All of my teachers pushed for collaboration and excellence in their classroom. I always felt challenged, which allowed me to be a great student in high school and college. One of my best friends in the whole world is a girl I met in middle school at PS. She was my maid of honor in my wedding, and we would do anything for each other.

The relationships I cultivated with faculty and friends in middle school set the stage for a greater relationship I found in high school. I began to get more involved in my church youth program due to a class I was taking at St. Agnes Academy. At Bellaire United Methodist Church, I was able to ask questions and learn more about God. My actual relationship with the Lord started my senior year of high school. I knew things about God beforehand but did not have an actual relationship with Him until then.

During college I was involved in Phi Lamb and Breakaway Christian and participated in mission trips to Peru and Mexico, where I taught and tutored kids.

After graduation from Clemson University, I returned to Houston and became involved in a bigger church. I enjoyed attending there, but I felt like it was hard to be known with so many people. My life group at the church was amazing, and I loved the other couples my husband and I got to do life with. When our life group talked about starting a church, my husband and I jumped on board and went to help plant the Sandbox Church and serve as deacons.

I have learned that starting a church takes a lot of time. The church we helped plant is a “marketplace church,” meaning that everyone who holds a position in the church also has a job outside the church. I have learned that prayer is key to making everything happen, and the investment is so worth the time and effort. There is such an emotional connection with the people to whom we minister.

Relationships are key to life. My top three priorities are to be the best child of God, best wife, and best friend and support to others.

Looking back from where I stand now, I can offer this advice. Take all the opportunities presented to you and allow yourself to grow and experience the world. Start to understand that you are here for a bigger purpose than yourself and your current circumstances. Cherish your time at Presbyterian School. Cultivate friendships with the people in your class now— some of them will be your lifelong friends (or even be your maid of honor in your wedding, and you may not even know it yet!)

“Take all the opportunities presented to you and allow yourself to grow and experience the world. Start to understand that you are here for a bigger purpose than yourself and your current circumstances.”