Letter from the Head of School

Dear St. Martin’s Families,

At the heart of every school is its mission statement. Mission statements can be quirky, and oftentimes they miss the mark. Some are long, and embellished with flowery language; others are short, direct, and to the point.

There are even computer programs which juxtaposition nouns, verbs, and adjectives into mission statement prototypes that overflow with hollow jargon. It is no wonder that such programs exist: Schools can spend months or years developing missions and mission statements, trying to summarize the essence of their purpose and values.

I love the St. Martin’s mission statement! It is one to which our entire community—past, present, and future—can subscribe. We prepare students to thrive in college and in life through Faith, Scholarship, and Service. Out of this statement comes our motto, “Faith, Scholarship, and Service.”

In today’s exciting and unpredictable world, our mission stands strong. Faith defines who we are, and provides our students with the spiritual foundation needed to confidently and successfully travel through college and through life. Scholarship at St. Martin’s is not only defined by the knowledge our students acquire, but by their ability to discern, think critically, ask guiding questions, and reason fairly and justly. And, Service! The Episcopal faith leads our students to minister to others, seek opportunities to give of themselves, and strive to understand and accept others, no matter their differences.

Our mission statement is far more than mere words. A St. Martin’s education stands apart and above. We remain proud of our success in readying our students for college and for life. We are working to instill in today’s students the skills and flexibility they will need to meet the challenges ahead of them. Their futures will be very different from those of the graduates who have gone before them. What will never change, however, is the timeless confidence that comes when Faith, Scholarship, and Service underscore the educational environment St. Martin’s provides for its students.

Merry Sorrells, Ed. D. Head of School