Inclusion, Diversity, and
Community
In addition to our rigorous academic program and in keeping with our Catholic traditions, Saint David’s is known for its sense of
family, compassion, and kindness. Our community includes boys and faculty who reflect the cultural, ethnic, racial, socioeconomic,
and religious diversity of New York City. At Saint David’s, we believe that being curious without prejudice and without bias is
essential to a well-informed, educated young man. Our boys develop cultural competency as they are taught to respect and embrace
difference in all its myriad manifestations. Boys broaden their perspectives as they learn from other traditions, creeds, and ways
of life – fundamental in fulfilling the aspiration of the Founders “that they be good men.”
S
aint David’s Magazine met with Jessica Pagan
and Pedro Morales, the school’s Co-Directors of
Inclusion, Diversity, and Community, to discuss
Saint David’s commitment to building an ever stronger
and inclusive school community among the boys, faculty,
and staff. Jessica and Pedro work in conjunction with
Allison Vella and the Committee on Community and
Inclusion (COCI), which primarily involves the greater
parent community. In addition, Coach Nick Imbelli,
in his role as new student liaison, helps to welcome and
ease the transition for boys who are new to the school in
non-traditional entry grades. Efforts in this area address
a broad definition of difference, are mission-guided and
include focus on character, socio-emotional health and
wellbeing in the Sophrosyne program, and the cultural
competency initiative with Dr. Derrick Gay.
SDM: What are some of the major events/activities
planned this year to build community?
Pedro and Jessica: COCI activities include an annual
breakfast with Dr. O’Halloran for new Upper School boys
and their buddies, which was a first this year, and a great
personal way for the Headmaster to welcome boys during
the first week of school. We also hosted a bowling party—
which was attended by about 60 people this year, a huge
turnout.
Another hugely popular event is the Father/Son Basketball
Shoot Around for dads and their sons in Grades Two, Four,
and Six. During this activity, we put the dads through the
same basketball skills class that their sons go through during
sports. The dads loved it and the feedback was great! We are
also looking to host movie nights, a book club get-together
to discuss Masterminds and Wingmen, a Prep-for-Prep Panel
Discussion, an ice-cream social for new boys, a family picnic
in Central Park, and a parent session with Dr. Derrick Gay,
who has been consulting for Saint David’s for four years
about building cultural competency and a strong, inclusive
community.
SDM: In November, Saint David’s sent the largest
contingency of boys (22) to the Young Men of Color/(Re)
defining Power Conference. What is the purpose of this
conference?
Pedro and Jessica: The Young Men of Color Symposium
is a leadership conference for self-identified men of color