Quiet the Noise: Dr. Schaffer’s Advice as RL Begins Its 381st School Year
“As we start this new school year, as we contemplate all the great things in store for us, I want to encourage all of us to quiet the noise,” began Head of School Dr. Sam Schaffer on Monday, August 25, during the traditional Opening of Fall Term Hall, commencing Roxbury Latin’s 381st year. “I hope that as we arrive back on campus, and as we take on this new school year, that we can use our time together at Roxbury Latin as a way to quiet the noise, focus on what is truly important, and have a great year.”
Together in Rousmaniere Hall, along with new and returning faculty and staff, were 308 boys, 63 new to the RL community—all ready to kick off the year together.
In opening, Dr. Schaffer went on to recognize the boys in Classes I and VI, those oldest and youngest in the school, as they stood to applause and recognition from the community. He also highlighted the 18, or nearly 40%, of faculty members who have taught for fifteen years or more at RL. English and Classics faculty member, Mo Randall, impressively begins his 50th year teaching at the school, tying him for the longest serving faculty member at the school alongside William Cole Collar, whose 1895 “Address at the School’s 250th Anniversary Exercises” was read at the beginning of Hall by Class I President Danny Tobin. Dr. Schaffer also offered gratitude for the work of various individuals over the summer, who carefully maintained and prepared the school for the arrival of a new academic year.
Dr. Schaffer began his opening address with an anecdote about when he was a tight end on his Georgia high school’s football team. He reflected on a moment in his high school career when he had a chance to be the hero of the game, scoring a touchdown to break a tied game and secure his team’s victory. As he was inching closer toward the end zone, he reflected on all of the things running through his head, the reaction of the crowd, the recognition the following day, and what college scouts would think, when a tackle blindsided him. “All the distractions, all the things competing for my focus—rather than listening to it, I would have been better served by quieting that noise,” he explained.
In a world full of noise, external and interpersonal pressures, and uncertainty, Roxbury Latin serves as a refuge from these things, from the noise, he asserted. “Roxbury Latin allows us to focus on what is important,” Dr. Schaffer stated: character, honesty in all dealings, the life of the mind, service to others, a sound mind in a sound body, and several more essential ideals that foster a community of generalists and academically gifted, good-natured boys. “I want to encourage you to quiet the noise so that you can nourish your mind and your body and your spirit. I want to encourage you to quiet the noise, so that you can amplify what is within.”
Students, faculty, and staff then gathered along the newly-refurbished outdoor walkways and around the Senior Grass, relishing the cooling air of late-August, to welcome new members to the community and wish one another a wonderful school year.
Read Dr. Schaffer’s opening Hall talk in its entirety.