“When parents are asked to cite the single most important area of
development they seek for their children, surveys indicate that character
education is paramount.”
“Who is to do it?” Her answer speaks for us all and guides
me as a mentor: “This is what I believe truly grown-up men
should do. Feel deeply. Be present to the steeply challenged
life of the young. Care about children, whether boys or
girls, and not only about your own.” Being in a community
that honors that in everything we do is reassuring and
inspiring. This year’s conference underscored the value and
the significant role mentors must play in the lives of young
boys, especially in our schools.
In closing, all schools must adapt recommendations
keeping their school mission in mind. The four pillars of a
Saint David’s education: academics, the arts, athletics, and
spirituality by which Saint David’s is guided encourage
leadership development in a multitude of areas. Having
a leadership template as a guide offers no guarantees but
it is a great tool to “Model the Way.” The Saint David’s
community can feel confident that we are forging the right
educational and spiritual path for our students and that it
is being done with loving care. Building leaders today will
ensure the leaders of tomorrow contribute positively to
creating a better future for themselves and others as well as
become exemplary leaders worthy of following. M
Works Cited
Cunxin, Li. Mao’s Last Dancer. Viking/Penguin Books, Australia, 2003.
Kouzes, James M; Posner, Barry Z. The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership
(article). Pfeiffer, A Wiley Imprint, 2003. Available at www.pfeiffer.com
Walker, Alice. Taking the Arrow Out of the Heart. Simon and Schuster, 37INK/
Atria, New York, 2013.
Lillian and Michael on a Sydney Harbour Tour.
Michael Imbelli is Secondary School Placement Counselor,
Eighth Grade Humanities: History and Sophrosyne
Teacher, and Fifth Grade Religion Teacher at Saint
David’s School.
Dr. Lillian Díaz Imbelli is a writer and former Admissions
Director. She is currently developing an online course on
Leadership and Identity as well as finishing her novel,
Among the Living.
The beautiful Southport School campus main meeting building and auditorium.
Winter 2019 • 17