Dear O'Neal Community,

It has been my honor to serve O’Neal as Head of School during the last 10 academic years. The School has added programs and grade levels, made campus wide improvements, faced challenges like the pandemic, celebrated the countless accomplishments of our students, and grown along with the Sandhills. Most importantly, we have had the privilege and responsibility to serve our families and provide our students an outstanding educational experience. My first kindergarten students are now in upper school and some of the graduates from my time not only have careers but have also started families. The students are at the heart of everything we do at O’Neal, and to have been a small part of their lives and their futures is the greatest honor of my three decades in independent schools.

Readers will find stories about our students throughout these pages. SSRP scholars, athletes from the School’s history, and students learning on class trips and from O’Neal’s first campus naturalist and our new librarian. You will also read the special story of Toyin Koleoso. She demonstrates courage, resilience and determination, and her host families exemplify extraordinary caring and generosity. All are inspiring. These student stories make it clear what a unique and extraordinary community we have at O’Neal.

This month O’Neal launched a new logo which is displayed throughout campus, and in our materials, including this magazine. This formal logo’s design is based on the beautiful pavilion in Konni’s Courtyard. This area was created as a community space for students and events, and it celebrates the School’s first 50 years. The structure at the center of campus unifies the divisions and proudly symbolizes the vision of those who made the School what it is today. The new logo represents O’Neal’s next era and bright future.

O’Neal is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and is the only member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in the area. O’Neal completed its reaccreditation for SAIS in September and received a unanimous recommendation for renewal from the visiting team of school leaders. The visiting team commended the School in many ways, including our comprehensive programs, strong sense of community, use of outdoor spaces, and strong faculty. After the evaluation of a SAIS school’s documents and standards, the overall process prompts schools to set goals for the next five years. O’Neal has identified the following broad areas for focus and improvement: Science and Technology; Safety and Wellness; Teaching and Learning; and Facilities. The accreditation self-study occurred in conjunction with the Board of Trustees’ strategic planning process, and that document will be completed later this year.

Those in the O’Neal community who know me know that I am enormously proud of this School and what we have accomplished. They know that I try to approach opportunities with an entrepreneurial mindset to serve others. Though I appreciate the Board of Trustees and SSRP students in having the cover story of this magazine spotlight my 10 years at O'Neal, the School's progress over the last 10 years is due to excellence of the faculty and staff, the trust and support of our families, and to the trustees who sustained the School. I am especially grateful to the board chairs who helped me through every challenge and celebrated every success. Thank you all, and I look forward to what the future holds for The O’Neal School we all cherish.

All the best,

John C. Elmore Head of School