WOW!  What a month we've just had! I tend to look forward and not gaze back over my shoulder on what has just taken place or what I failed to observe.  But given the events of the past few weeks, please allow me to comment on them for few moments.
 
De La Salle High School has earned and been given many privileges over the years. Most notably, we have a remarkable community of people (students, parents, alums, faculty/staff and friends) who understand and embrace our Philosophy and Mission. These individuals have a well developed habit of supporting us when things go well and standing with us when we find ourselves in moments of concern and challenge. The unexpected death of a teenager challenges all of us to recognize our vulnerability and the fragility of our life. The loss of someone so young couldn't possibility happen to me - some students think!  What this school experienced in the loss of Darius Jones were many conversations about how important it is for each and every one of us to live our life in such a positive and caring way that we never take for granted what we have or may lose. We can lose that loved one in the flash of a moment. And our regrets are that we failed to fully express our appreciation, respect and love for that other person who means so much to us. We have been told that we know neither the hour nor the day!  I know that it sometimes sounds trite to say, "When was the last time you told someone that you loved them?" I say, "Don't miss the opportunity!" 
 
In addition to the Darius Jones tragedy, we mourn the passing of Claudia Garaventa, mother of Andrew '08 and Steven '11. They have experienced the loss of their mother who brought them into this world and unfortunately, they had the task of burying her all too soon. These young men will continue to have the support and love of this school community as we support them in their grief. 
 
As if that was not enough, we also buried Br. Raphael-Philip Thez.  Br. Philip had been a member of the Brothers Community here at DLS since July 2008. Having moved from full-time school work to a semi-retired schedule, Br. Philip told me upon his arrival that he still had many good years in front of him but he just wanted to be with and around the students. "Whatever you want, I'll do," he said. His short time with us in Concord, in fact, was a "coming home." Having grown up in this area, it was most fitting that his final days were closely linked with this community.

May the good Lord shine his face upon Darius, Claudia and Br. Philip. To all of you, I again express my heartfelt thanks for the TLC and prayers you sent our way!
 
As this new month begins, we are clearly in the throes of the fall season.  Our trees have begun to shed their leaves and we have turned our clocks back one hour.  The days are growing shorter and the temperatures are dropping.  For me, this means that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I, like so many of you, have many reasons to be thankful amid the challenges and organized chaos we live with each day. However, I say thank you for all that God has placed before me: family, friends, loved ones, good health, students (absolutely!), families, our school community, my religious community, freedoms, benefactors and the list goes on and on and on.
 
Happy Thanksgiving!  

Br. Christopher Brady, F.S.C.
Principal

 

This is the time of year when all Americans share the same intention, which is to express our appreciation for all of the wonderful things we have in our lives. During our time with families and friends, we reflect upon every facet of our lives and how we have been blessed with great people and wonderful experiences.

Do you remember the days when you were in school - pilgrims, Native Americans, yams, and hand turkey drawings? We cherish the memories of those days and live them today in our celebration with family and friends.
 
On behalf of the faculty and staff of De La Salle High School, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. We thank you for partnering with us in the education of your son.

Mark DeMarco '78
President