Letter from Head of School

LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear Sewickley Academy Community,

Part of being Pittsburgh’s oldest co-educational, college-preparatory, independent day school is having a rich, 184-year history and legacy on which to reflect. During our opening ceremony for this school year, I reminded the students that it is actually possible that their great, great, great, great, great, great grandparents attended Sewickley Academy. I also pointed out that when the Academy was established in 1838, people did not have cell phones like so many of our students do today. In fact, people were just starting to use telegraphs and Morse Code. This certainly gave today’s students some perspective and appreciation for the legacy for which they are a part.

I am particularly excited about this issue of Sewickley Speaking because of the history contained in its pages. You will see a feature on the recently released book, The First 50 Years: A History of Sewickley Academy Senior School, that was crafted by our Alumni Relations Associate, Dr. Susan (Ratcliffe ’55) Sour. It is a beautiful compilation of the Senior School past to present. I have found such joy in perusing the photos and reminiscing, and I hope that you do the same.

It is the relationships and memories formed between faculty, staff, and students that I love most about working in education. Yet, these are not the only relationships formed by students during their days at the Academy. This issue includes a dedication to first loves and partnerships that found their roots in a common bond of Sewickley Academy. The couples in the Panther Partners feature go as far back as the 1970s and up to a couple who is currently counting the days until they say, “I do.” Whether you found your significant other or some lifelong friends at the Academy, I hope that you, too, have memories that bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

Two alumni of great significance are featured within this issue. Mr. Jeremy Warren ’68 was kind enough to share his background as the Academy’s first African American student at the height of our nation’s Civil Rights movement. Each time that I read his words, I am astonished by his life experiences and heartened that he has such pride in being an Academy graduate. You will also meet Mr. David Nimick ’39, one of SA’s oldest living alumni, as he shows how the hobby that he picked up in his 50s has produced more than 40 years of incredibly detailed needlepoint art.

The Class Notes, reunion recap, list of honorary alumni, and evidence of the ongoing generosity of our donors also all paint a clear picture of what it means, and has meant for 184 years, to be a Sewickley Academy Panther. As Head of School, I do not take lightly the responsibility that has been entrusted in me to maintain this legacy. To do so, I look to our history and the examples set by leaders who came before me, and I look to the future to ensure that we continue to offer our students the skills and education that will allow them to achieve success in college and beyond. By focusing on STEM through enhanced computer science and robotics, encouraging the arts to flourish, and supporting the athletic training, health, and wellness of our student body, I believe that we are solidifying bright, infallible futures for our upcoming graduates. As our new tagline states, we are “Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders.”

I hope that you enjoy this issue of Sewickley Speaking, and I encourage you to keep us abreast as to how Sewickley Academy has contributed to your personal journey.

Warm Regards,

During our opening ceremony for this school year, I reminded the students that it is actually possible that their great, great, great, great, great, great grandparents attended Sewickley Academy.”

Ashley (Brown ’00) Birtwell, PhD

Head of School

Introducing

MOVING FORWARD

Remember your first day at Sewickley Academy? That potential for friendship, discovery and inspiration remains today. This remarkable place is where students develop curiosity, compassion, integrity, and all skills necessary for success. SA’s momentum has been noticeably building, and your support SA’s momentum has been noticeably building, and your support will keep the enthusiasm growing. The SA Fund provides the resources to sustain academic excellence and our ability to adapt to the ever-changing needs of our students. Every gii, no maaer the size, is recognized, valued, and put into action. Each contribution is 100% tax-deductible and can be made online, by check, or by phone. Our SA community is bound together through shared Our SA community is bound together through shared experiences and a passion for excellence. Help us continue that excellence across academics, athletics, and the arts by supporting the SA Fund. Together, we make Sewickley Academy a vibrant place that produces confident, successful graduates who are ready to lead the world. Join the others who have given to the SA Fund this year.

Give now at www.SAFund.org.

THE SA FUND

Is Mission-driven and provides support for initiatives that are not fully covered by tuition

Supports your favorite teachers with professional learning opportunities

Provides improvements to campus

Generates financial aid for deserving students

Is vital to the financial stability of the institution