New Beginnings

Steward’s close-knit campus is made even stronger when Spartans of all ages team up, support one another, and join in blue-and-gold celebration. That is never more evident than at Convocation, which heralds a new school year and shines a spotlight on our spirited school community. 

The morning began with the procession of junior kindergarten, kindergarten, and senior buddies along the Colonnade in preparation for Convocation. The Buddy Program is a much-loved school tradition. At the beginning of the school year, junior kindergarten and kindergarten students are each paired with a senior student, and throughout the year, they gather at school events. Seniors serve as informal mentors, and all buddies benefit from the friendship and empathy that the program fosters. 

As the buddies processed on their way to the gym, their proud families lined the Colonnade, applauding and snapping photos. 

Hand in hand, the buddies arrived at the gym to “Tanoan Echoes” and “Armory,” performed by the Concert Band, which is led by Middle/Upper School Instrumental Music Teacher John McAlister. Associate Head of School Lisa Dwelle welcomed guests, and siblings Aubrey Shawn ’32, Lucas Shawn ’30, and Madelyn Shawn ’26 led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Upper School Chorus, led by Middle/Upper School Choral Teacher Heidi Taylor, led the audience in a joyful tradition: Steward’s alma mater. 

In his greeting, Head of School Dan Frank began by snapping photos of the crowd with a Polaroid camera and said, “My favorite time of the year isn’t the summer, because none of you are here.” Mr. Frank, who was deeply affected last year by the end-of-year speeches that Jack Groves ’31 and Graylen Rambo ’30 delivered, invited the two to join him onstage to share snippets of their speeches. 

“I think what defines ‘community’ is that it’s a place where we share values and make those values a priority,” said Mr. Frank. “[At Steward], we know everyone, care about everyone, and want to make sure they know how they really matter to us.” 

In his conclusion, Mr. Frank held up one of the photos he had taken a few moments earlier. 

“Here we are in a snapshot from the beginning of this assembly,” he said. “It makes us look as though we are frozen time … but obviously, that’s not true. We have grown and changed.” He added, “We have created new memories. Imagine if all that can happen in just a few minutes, what can we learn and accomplish in the 280 sunrises we will share this year. Let’s treat those moments as the gift they are, and let’s keep our pencils sharp!”

The annual Alumni Achievement Award is another cherished Convocation tradition. The award recognizes outstanding members of the alumni community who exemplify the Steward mission through inspiration, engagement, and care of others. This year’s award was presented to Danny Welsch ’03. Retired faculty member Cindy Grissom, who taught art at Steward for 22 years, introduced Mr. Welsch to the audience.

Mrs. Grissom shared that, as a ninth grader, Mr. Welsch’s final art project was a moving depiction of the Twin Towers.

“He painted an inspiring and emotion-provoking theme,” she said, turning to point to the painting, which she had brought onstage. “At the fine arts award banquet that year [2001], Danny was awarded the top honor of having this painting included in the permanent art collection for the school.” 

Ms. Grissom shared her admiration for Mr. Welsch’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the community, including this poignant example: 

“When we were in the middle of COVID-19, Danny made and delivered meals to area hospitals for nurses as they worked long hours and in difficult circumstances,” she said. Smiling broadly, she said, “I will close with a quote from Danny from years ago: ‘We get this one beautiful life … do something good with it and spread some kindness!’ It is with great honor that I present this year’s Alumni Achievement Award to Danny Welsch.”

Mr. Welsch started at Steward in the ninth grade and played lacrosse and tennis for the Spartans. An artist and theatergoer at heart, his creative spirit landed him the “Most Artistic” designation during his senior year. He continues to love all things theatre and supports Richmond Shakes, which keeps local theatre alive through contemporary and classical shows with Shakespeare at their core.

A proud graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Mr. Welsch is a real estate agent in Central Virginia, a career that is tailor-made for his outgoing personality and energetic spirit. Most recently, he joined the team at Compass Real Estate.

Those who know Mr. Welsch best know that he has a generous heart and is dedicated to helping others. He serves on the Massey Alliance Board, raising funds and awareness for cancer research at VCU Massey Cancer Center. He also shares his time and energy with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond, providing meals to families staying in area hospitals; and he raises funds for Side by Side, the American Heart Association, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. “Helping people is my passion,” he has said, and he clearly lives out this sentiment. 

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Welsch, whose husband, Andy Lehman, was in the audience, expressed gratitude for his Steward education.

“The four years I spent in the Upper School truly shaped the foundation of the person I am today,” he said. As he named some of the teachers who supported and inspired him, he noted, “All of these wonderful educators took the extra time to make sure that I knew that Steward was a safe place for me.” 

Mr. Welsch then shared his college and career path and his commitment to “using my talents for good.” He spoke about what compels him to serve the community (“I believe this work is so important”) and said that he often draws on his Steward experiences for inspiration in his personal and professional life.

Looking out into the faces of the young Spartans in front of him, he said, “My wish for you is that … you embrace the lessons, knowledge, experience, and wisdom of your teachers … and that you utilize this amazing campus for all it has to offer. Don’t be afraid to try new things; don’t be so worried about what is cool. Grow outside your comfort zone … make yourself a success … and remember to spread kindness and find a way to give back to the community.”

Following Mr. Welsch’s remarks, the Choral Ensemble, composed of talented students from all divisions, sang a lilting rendition of “Little Voice,” which includes the lyrics “Sometimes a little voice/can say the biggest things.” 

Using this year’s schoolwide theme of “dialogue” as a touchstone, Lower School Director Becky Groves, Middle School Director Susan Atkinson, and Upper School Director Bobby Pollicino shared heartfelt thoughts on listening, communication, and understanding others’ perspectives, respectively. 

Listening, said Mrs. Groves, “transforms discussions from mere exchanges of opinions into meaningful dialogues where solutions can be found and mutual understanding can flourish.” Mrs. Atkinson noted that clearly expressing oneself is “like painting a picture with your words so that your audience can understand what you are trying to show them.” At Steward, “we will engage in dialogue about difficult topics and ask questions to develop greater understanding,” said Mr. Pollicino. “We will embrace different perspectives and strengthen our bonds as fellow Spartans.”

As the Concert Band performed “Stonewood Fanfare and Processional March,” the audience recessed. 

After Convocation, a group of alumni, retired faculty, and Lifer families invited to the event met for coffee and conversation in the Athletic Center Lobby. Brick pavers on Lifer Terrace display the names of all Steward Lifers — alumni who attended Steward from junior kindergarten or kindergarten through Grade 12. A happy group of Class of 2025 Lifers, their parents, and alumni mingled at the reception and posed for photos. 

Later in the day, Middle and Upper School students, along with their division directors and teachers, signed the Honor Code, an important moment when students and faculty publicly reconfirm their commitment to meeting the mission and values of Steward, especially in the realm of academic and personal integrity. Participating in this rite of passage helps equip students to prepare for the world ahead. Later this month, students in grades 1-5 will sign the Honor Code during a special assembly, and junior kindergarten and kindergarten students will sign it during their Character Education classes. 

In her speech welcoming Middle Schoolers to the Honor Code signing, Kara Freed ’29, Middle School Student Council president, said, “As you come up on stage today, think about … how important it is that all of us hold ourselves accountable every day to be kind and learn from each other in class, be truthful always, and be respectful.”

View the Steward Snaps from Convocation 2024.