Gratitude

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” ~ Cicero

Over the past 11 years, I have covered many topics in my Mustang Messages, but one constant in November has been my message about gratitude. Each year, I find myself wondering where to begin. How can I possibly convey everything I’m thankful for? How can I express in words the extent of my thankfulness? I have accepted that I will fall short of conveying the depth of my gratitude, but I must try.

When I think about gratitude, our community immediately comes to mind. I picture a great, sprawling tree—its strong, steady roots reaching deep into the earth, interconnected and nourished by the countless lives that have shaped our school. Their dedication and sacrifice continually enrich the soil where Currey Ingram Academy grows.?

This past year, we lost several community members for whom we are grateful, including our founder, Carol Henderson, and our two longest-serving heads of school, Barbara Gregg and Kathy Rayburn. Just as the branches stretch toward new possibilities, we strive to grow, grounded in a foundation made possible by the efforts of so many.??

In this year’s parent survey, someone shared that “the sense of community here at Currey Ingram is unparalleled. We feel like we belong to a family that celebrates our child’s uniqueness and walks every step with us.”?

Like branches budding young leaves, our community extends its canopy, allowing each student to grow and be protected and nurtured. As faculty, trustees, parents, and supporters, we are all part of this living structure, each connected and essential to the whole.

Our shared purpose reaches wide and high. Our trustees are the trunk, supporting our flourishing year after year. Their dedication gives structure to our mission, allowing us to grow, evolve, and nurture each individual within this environment that emphasizes growth and self-actualization.

In the words of another parent, “Currey Ingram has given our family a new sense of possibility. We’ve seen our child blossom here in ways we could never have imagined.” This blossoming, this transformation, is our purpose: to provide the sunlight and support each student needs to thrive. As the roots of a tree intertwine for strength, our faculty, staff, and parents work in concert to nourish each student on their journey of discovery, achievement, and mastery.

Our shared vision— guiding each student toward self-actualization—is, in truth, a forest, each tree unique but part of a vast ecosystem. Without so many sacrifices, would there be joy, possibility, growth, potential, or me, you, us? And, rarely does something come together so well as with Currey Ingram Academy. We are that towering oak whose branches extend far and whose roots run deep, giving direction, grounding, and growth to all who join us. And within the rhythm of each leaf unfurling and branch reaching, there lies a singular truth: gratitude is the deepest root that binds us, strengthens us, and propels us forward, today and always.