2018-2019 Chapel Theme: "Love, not in word or speech, but in truth or action."
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Upper School
Tuesday, April 2- Morgan Gantt '19 - Taking Away Gratitude After Experiencing Adversity
For the first Chapel after Spring Break, senior Morgan Gantt shared her compelling story about her mother's tragic biking accident and recovery from a traumatic brain injury. "Seeing how badly her brain was hurt, the doctors rushed her into emergency surgery where they placed an intracranial pressure monitor to prevent brain death from too much swelling," explained Morgan. Over the next two years, Candace Gantt slowly recovered. Morgan recalled seeing her mother for the first time after the accident. "A woman that knew my name summoned me over to her bed. I had no idea who she was. This woman wore a large white helmet and sat in a wheelchair. She couldn't possible be my mother," said Morgan. She shared how much she missed her mom driving her to school, tucking her in a night, and attending her swim meets. "My mother never once gave up. Throughout all of her recovery she strived to do the best she could in everything that she did," share Morgan. Seven years after Mrs. Gantt's accident, she participated in an Ironman, "a great adversity for a normal person, let alone a brain injury survivor," said Morgan. "I'm asking all of you to think about giving your best effort in everything you do- not for yourself but for the others around you." Watch here.
Thursday, April 4 - Brooke Kraftson '19 - Living the Golden Mean
Brooke Kraftson presented her compelling senior speech, titled Living the Golden Mean, in Chapel on Thursday. Brooke explained how over the years she has kept a digital video diary focusing on her experiences, thoughts, and feelings. "Over the past eight years, I have filmed 90 video diaries and because of them I am fortunate enough to watch myself develop over the years whenever I want." Brooke explained she always records a video the night before the first day of school to document her predictions for the year. "None of them are ever accurate," said Brooke. She also records at times she deems "significant" as well as her "low points." She often reflects on some of those times- which now help provide perspective. "At the time when I capture a video, I talk about things that seem to have turned my world upside down. But then I realize four years, a month, even a week, everything will be different, and I will be watching that same video- laughing because I had no idea what great things were coming," explained Brooke. Recently translating Horace's Ode 2.10 in Latin class, and learning about the concept of the golden mean, "auream mediocritatem," resonated with Brooke. "The lows of my life give context to my highs, and in life, as in sailing, as in my video diaries, I have learned to recognize the cycle between the lows and the highs, but more importantly, I have learned to accept them." Watch here.
Middle School
Monday, April 1 - Sarah Kotapka Faith Paper
II Former Sarah Kotapka read her faith paper in Chapel. She spoke about how various medical trials, that she and other members of her family have had, have taught her to trust in God and to value kindness. She nearly died from an allergic reaction at age four. In Lower School she was diagnosed with both, gastroparesis and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), but these conditions ultimately taught her a great deal about God and the value of life. "I have endured many challenges and have watched others endure similar ones, and these trials of life have helped mold my faith in God," shared Sarah. "My faith is not just a belief in religion. It is a belief in humanity, in myself, in others, and in love... I believe in kindness, in optimism, in hope, and in God."
II Former Logan Schlitt gave a wonderfully creative presentation about the value of kindness. Through a powerpoint, index cards hidden throughout the chapel, a video clip, and even two invitations to turn to the person next to us and engage in positive conversations, Logan encouraged the Middle School to actively work to make our environment a more positive place by engaging in random and deliberate acts of kindness, greeting people, maintaining eye contact, and saying thank you. It was a wonderfully uplifting and engaging presentation.
Friday, April 5 - Henry Haupt Faith Paper
On Friday, II Former Henry Haupt read his faith paper in Chapel. He spoke of how his two sisters have been his role models, teaching him by example of how to live his life. He spoke of V Former Grace's fight against Friedreich's Ataxia, a rare neuromuscular disease that weakens muscle coordination, worsening over time, and IV Former Lily's remarkable swimming and rowing achievement. Each of his sisters have taught him, in turn, the value of life and the importance of striving to do his best. He also quoted Jesus's words in Luke 12:48: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." He believes that God has called him to take all the gifts that God has given him and make a positive impact on life no matter what challenges he might face. "God knows what is best. He knows what I must endure," shared Henry. "I have faith that I will leave this world happy and with God's blessing, knowing I have searched and found my purpose in life. I know that I will have met many wonderful people and done many wonderful things, and I will die knowing that I have had a full life."
Lower School
Friday, April 5 - Honoring our Administrative Assistants
On Friday, the Lower School honored our wonderful Administrative Assistants: Mrs. Duffy, Mrs. Virbitsky, and Mrs. Neilson. The chapel featured some of their favorite hymns, and performances by our talented fourth grade string ensemble and organist. Chaplain Bullock's 5th grade advisory interviewed Mrs. Duffy, Mrs. Virbitsky, and Mrs. Neilson who shared about some of their favorite things, favorite memories of EA and advice on how to live the Stripe of the month, Courtesy. We are so thankful for the love and care each of them put into making every day at EA safe, special, and full of learning. Thank you Mrs. Duffy, Mrs. Virbitsky, and Mrs Neilson!