When it comes to childhood sayings, “don’t take anything for granted” seems pretty basic. The fact is, it isn’t. Living life by that mantra requires constant awareness and appreciation for our fortune. Although in theory it’s a wonderful way to live, in practice, it’s unrealistic. As students at Newark Academy, we are too busy, too stressed, and too obsessed with the future to appreciate the present. As a result, we slip into a troubling state of complacency every time we walk into school. It can seem at times like these classes, teachers, and experiences are, to us, a means to an end. They’re simple stepping stones on a pathway to college, when real life begins.

This can make us seem like a school of “spoiled brats”. But, in reality, it’s not our fault. The incredible fortunes we have here at Newark Academy are often difficult to pinpoint. We don’t walk into our English classes ever-conscious that we’re learning from experts who’ve studied at places like Harvard, Princeton, and Dartmouth. We don’t realize that wandering into an office for an impromptu extra help session with a teacher would be a luxury at so many other schools. We couldn’t possibly quantify just how valuable our peer input is in humanities and science classes. The fact is, all of these things we foolishly “take for granted” are simply difficult to recognize. They are not rubbed in our faces, or shouted from the rooftops. They are just quiet reminders of how fortunate we are to be at a place like Newark Academy.

This year, however, things have changed. With the addition of the sparkling new wing and crisp turf field, our fortune has become exponentially more visible. Every time we walk into the Academy, glaring reminders of just how lucky we are stare us directly in the face. Clean new lockers, bright classrooms, a massive gathering hall, and cutting edge technology all provide discernable symbols that make it easier to stop and recognize our fortune. So, now that it is more obvious and easier to do, we all truly must.

The new classrooms should remind us of the seminar-style classes we enjoy daily. At most other high schools there is no cap on how many students can be in a classroom. At the Academy, the 18-person rule ensures that each student has a voice that can be heard. The intellectuality of the student body is unrivaled, and we should never forget that sitting in a room and discussing with nine or ten future doctors, lawyers, philanthropists, business executives, and politicians, is truly a life-altering experience.

As we peer into the fresh new digs of the English and Language departments, we should recognize the Academy’s greatest asset: our teachers. Nowhere else would you find teachers ready and willing to meet at 7:30 in the morning, during their only lunchtime, or after they’ve coached a varsity team at night. They are a group of incredibly reasonable, smart, and humane people deeply invested in our success and development.

And, as we chat outside and inside of Kaltenbacher Hall, we should celebrate our community. In other high schools, most students would never know the title of the Winter Musical or the score of the Field Hockey game. We are a group with the passion and knowledge of thousands, yet the personal compassion and tight-knit feel of dozens. It is our small yet engaged community that allows us to enjoy daily morning meetings and to support our fellow classmates.

So, now that it is easier to recognize and remember, let us truly not take our fortune for granted. This is a special school and we should all be grateful that we have found a place in it. Sixth graders, realize that this is the beginning of an incredible ride. Seniors, know that this is the final stretch — so really make the most of it. Cheers to new beginnings and a newfound appreciation for our home away from home.

Fondly,

2012-2013 Staff of The Minuteman