Domestique - The Unsung Heroes

This summer, many of us tuned in to watch some exciting sporting events.  For example, perhaps you were one of the estimated 7.5 million fans who tuned in to watch Wimbledon in July?  Or perhaps you were one of the nearly nearly 17 million viewers who watched the NBA Finals back in June?  Or maybe you will be one of the anticipated 1.2 billion viewers worldwide who will cheer for their favorite teams in the Women’s World Cup happening now.  But do you know what is the most watched sporting event in the world??  It is not the SuperBowl (112.3 million) or the World Series (14.3 million)  or my personal favorite, March Madness (18.1 million.)  If you guessed the Summer Olympics (2 billion) or the Cricket World Cup (2.6 billion) the Men’s World Cup of Soccer (3.3 billion) then you were getting warmer, but you would still be missing out on the top spot of the world’s most watched sporting event on the planet.  That honor belongs to the Tour de France (3.4 billion), a grueling 23 day/21 stage spectacle of sheer grit, grind, grim determination, thrilling highs, devastating crashes, high drama, superhuman effort, and well-orchestrated teamwork.  That sounds a lot like a school year, doesn’t it?     

In the  "Le Grande Boucle," as it is known,  the very best cyclists from around the world battle it out for the honor and glory of donning the glamorous yellow, green, white and polka dot jerseys, which are awarded based on the overall leader status, points leader, king of the mountains, and top young rider classifications.  What might go unnoticed and unappreciated by the casual and uninitiated Tour fan, however, are the selfless efforts of the four or five other riders on each team known as domestiques—from the French word for servant.  These unheralded riders, who are elite, world-class riders in their own right,  are the ones who do the lion’s share of the sacrificial heavy lifting throughout the race to ensure the success and glory of the chosen leaders for their team.  

The best Episcopal schools, like the most successful Tour teams, succeed and thrive because of the sacrificial and selfless efforts of the incredibly talented, world-class yet unsung heroes on the team - the servant leaders known as faculty and staff.  So as we contemplate and endure the tortuous climbs, the thrilling descents, the tumultuous stages of the school year to come, let us not neglect or fail to recognize and appreciate all those around us that contribute so much to the victory that awaits.  Likewise, let us never forget or take for granted the ultimate sacrifice that was made on our behalf by the ultimate servant leader:   

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,

let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our

eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him

he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand

of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from

sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

Note:   If you missed the opportunity to tune into the 2023 Tour in July, you might consider tuning into a recently released Netflix docuseries Tour de France: Unchained, which chronicles the triumphant highs, devastating lows, and closeup, day-to-day grind of the 2022 Tour. 

*Source for facts about viewership

Featuring

Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright

Author of DIGNITY: Seven Strategies for Creating Authentic Community 

Atlanta-based author and speaker, Dr. Beth-Sarah Wright writes to make a difference. She writes to develop the courage for transformation and change, in our communities, institutions, and lives. Her work strategically addresses the insidious challenges we face, either in our individual lives or in our communities- be they corporate, educational, religious, or otherwise-that require identity shifts and increases in capacities and competencies to bring about sustainable and meaningful change. Wright advocates for authenticity in our communities, no matter what our context, by aligning our aspirational identities with our lived realities. 

Beth-Sarah is the author of seven books. Her most recent book, The DIGNITY Lens Workbook: Implementing the Seven Strategies for Creating Authentic Community is a companion to her book DIGNITY: Seven Strategies for Creating Authentic Community. DIGNITY is a comprehensive lens through which to view and solve insidious barriers to authenticity and narrow the gap between who we say we are and who we are in reality. For Wright, stories are the currency for dignity. 

A former college professor at NYU and Spelman College, she currently serves as the Director of Enrollment Management at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Atlanta and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Emory School of Medicine. She holds a PhD in Performance Studies from New York University, an MPhil in Anthropology from Cambridge University, and a BA (magna cum laude) from Princeton University in Sociology and Afro-American studies. 

Beth-Sarah is originally from Jamaica and has lived and studied worldwide, from Edinburgh, Scotland to San Juan, Puerto Rico. She is married to Robert C. Wright, the Episcopal Bishop of Atlanta and they are parents to 5 children.

Best Practices for Board Presidents

August 15, 2023   

10:00 am CST

As the leader of the school board, the board chair is uniquely positioned to set the school community up for success. Join Rob Devlin and Mary Katherine Duffy as they discuss the roles and responsibilities of the board chair as well as the unique relationship between the chair and the Head of School. This webinar will share some tips and strategies that will make your school year the best it can be. Register Now

Trustee's Education Series

August 24, 2023   

November 2, 2023   

February 1, 2024   

April 4, 2024   

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I am excited to serve SAES and our member schools on a full-time basis now!  Anytime you ever have questions about accreditation or anything which might affect your accreditation, please do not hesitate to call or email!

SAES Accreditation is based upon a ten-year cycle.  Year 1 is the first year after Accreditation is granted or renewed, and Year 10 is the year a school hosts an On-Site Visit.  In addition to completion of the Annual Report, which is required of all Member and Accredited Schools, Accredited schools additionally submit special reports in Years 1 and 5. In certain circumstances, the Standards Committee may  require submission of a Substantive Change Report or a Special Interim Report.  If your school is due to submit any of these reports in 2023-24, you should have received a notification from me.  If you think your school is due for a report and didn’t hear from me or are not sure where your school is in the accreditation cycle, feel free to contact me, and I can let you know!