I recently read Cicero's essay On Friendship Laelius de Amicitia written in 44 B.C., where our school motto Esse Quam Videri is first mentioned. Cicero explains the several examples of how we deem friendship but that true friendship is found in mutual esteem for one another.

For in Virtue is complete harmony, in her permanence, in her fidelity; and what she has raised her head and shown her own light and has seen and recognized the same light in another, she moves towards it and in turn receives its beams; as a result love or friendship leaps into flame; for both words derive from a word meaning "to love." But love is nothing other than the great esteem and affection felt for him who inspires that sentiment, and it is not sought because of material need or for the sake of material gain.

Our Reunion Weekend shared this same sentiment, what we all continue to hold dear, our friendships we forged with our classmates and school community, honoring classmates who passed, and our memories of learning together, as Cicero mentioned, "those with whom you began the race of life."

We welcomed close to one hundred alumnae on campus and it inspired all of us to take in the moment, evoking what we were aspiring to be rather than to seem.

Throughout the year, you will hear from me as I engage in conversation with our alumnae seeking opportunities we can all donate our time, talents and treasure and be together. I look forward to hearing from you, and you can reach me at kamcdermott@ahns.org.

God Bless!

Katie Ann McDermott '98