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Message from the Board Chair
Last spring my son Diego graduated from St. Martin’s, a proud member of the Class of 2018. This fall he went off to college, putting the 14 years of his St. Martin’s education to the test.
When he first began working with Debbie Flanagan and Tiffany DuSaules in our wonderful college counseling department, I wasn’t so sure about some of the colleges they suggested for Diego. Ms. Flanagan, specifically, was passionate that Sewanee: The University of the South would be a wonderful fit for him, and I am happy to admit she was right.
Just as he was encouraged to do at St. Martin’s, Diego has jumped right in at Sewanee, focusing on his studies, involving himself in a number of activities, and making new friends.
From my own experience as a member of the Class of 1985, I already knew Diego would be prepared to excel academically in college, but it is easy to take for granted all the other ways in which his time at StM has prepared him. Our school and its community members are the most supportive, caring people I’ve ever had the pleasure to be around. You can see and feel our strong school culture as soon as you step on campus. It’s evident on the walls, in the students and staff, and in every classroom.
Here, supporting students is the work of all faculty, classmates, administrators, family, and community members, not just the work of counselors and mentors. I believe our culture of connection and support is why our students graduate so well prepared for college and life.
I am proud to be part of a school community where our student support services team leads the way in fostering a supportive, responsive, and caring culture. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a community that believes everyone plays a role in loving and supporting every individual.
Sincerely,
Ana Mesa Ortega ’85
Chair of the Board of Trustees
