Information, Celebration, Inspiration (Academy President’s Blog)
08.26.10 - Being a Best
I call your attention to an article in month's 5280 Magazine about Millie Barsallo who graduated from St. Mary's Academy in 2005. It's a great story, sort of an "on her way to law school... she became a teacher" story. The article chronicles Millie's first year of teaching in the Denver Public Schools in the English Language Acquisition Spanish program at Cole Arts and Science Academy. It's a beautiful and inspiring article.
And, while you are perusing the magazine I am sure you will notice the list of "Best Elementary Schools." I am disappointed that St. Mary's Academy is not listed. You will see some of our neighbors are listed. You will also read that the list was completed by "interviews with expert sources in and around Denver." We were not approached for any information and it was not brought to our attention that the magazine was collecting information regarding elementary schools. I am not completely sure how they defined elementary school either.
There are many fine schools listed. There are many fine schools missing. Please remember that we were included in their previous two listings -- best high schools and best schools in Denver. And, many of you know that I don't like rankings in education arenas. But I admit I prefer for SMA to be included. Particularly, I don't like not being on a list of the "best" because of the good and important work that I know we are engaged in every day here.
But, I enjoyed reading the story about Millie. I found it inspirational and I love that she is an SMA alumna. In her work as a teacher today she is modeling what she learned at St. Mary's Academy. Certainly a "best!"
