Yesterday, as I walked by a trio of high school students studying on comfy puffs, one looked up and said, “Did you know Dolly Parton died?”

They went on to share what she had meant to them. I was surprised, I will admit, that her death had touched teenagers. I had always thought of Dolly Parton as belonging to “my generation,” and I was heartened by their comments about her philanthropy, her concern for others, and the life-changing impact of her Imagination Library.

As the media fills with remembrances, many of the tributes speak of her hard work, kindness, generosity, willingness to share her talents, and attentiveness to everyone she met. There are lessons in all of this as we at SMA strive each day to help our students grow into their best selves. 

Every day, in every building across campus, teachers see students as individuals, believe in their potential, encourage curiosity and a love of learning, and create a welcoming environment where all can thrive. As Dolly Parton said in accepting the National Education Association’s Friend of Education Award, “Together, let's continue to inspire kids to dream more, care more, learn more and therefore, be more.” 

SMA is all about that!