June 8 | 2010

Congratulations, Class of 2010. As a fellow dyslexic, I know what it took to get to this day––the frustration, the pain and the doubt. But I also know your strength and determination. You have shown yourselves, your families and the world that if you set your mind to something, that you can do anything. You have truly earned your Dogwood, and I salute you. Of course, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't offer an inspirational quote. So here it is:

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.

Albert Einstein said that. Einstein was dyslexic. He showed language impairments at a young age. His speech was severely delayed. He only began to talk at the age of three, and had trouble with language throughout elementary school. During a meeting, the headmaster told Einstein's parents that he did not have the ability to be a successful professional. In fact, his teachers thought he was borderline retarded. But his parents didn't listen to them; they moved Albert to a different type of school, one that de-emphasized rote memorization and stressed creative thinking and hands-on learning. Young Albert's academic performance improved dramatically. Sound familiar? It should!

Einstein uttered these memorable words to affirm the importance of lifelong learning. For a smart and inquisitive person––and you are all smart and inquisitive––education does not end with graduation. The school of "real life" has many valuable lessons to offer you. Welcome them. Go out and discover who you are and what you stand for, and remember to stand firm in those convictions. You already know what it's like to be a different kind of learner, so don't be scared to take that road less travelled––go on and follow your own dreams. You've earned the right to be proud of who you are.

Wishing you all the best,

Maureen Steltman, Head of School