President's Message, Summer 2016

“If this man should fall, who will lift the flag and carry it on?” Brigadier General George C. Strong’s demanding question of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry at the battle for Fort Wagner in SC.

The reunion is upon us (October 14 and 15). So what could the quote above possibly have to do with our yearly sojourn back to campus to welcome the legacy classes of ’61 and ’66 (and all other classes) back to school?

Every year I have felt that there has been something missing as we enter the grounds for the reunion. Then it hit me – no Lenox School Flag. The truth is, there never was a Lenox School flag, but there is one now. Pete Baker ’61 took a rough initial draft and provided the following for our design review:

In a sense, the school fell in 1971 when it graduated its last class; but here we are, 45 years later, and in a response reminiscent of the one given by Colonel Robert Shaw to a question raised by General Strong – the LSAA will lift the Lenox School flag and carry it on.

To accomplish this, we’re going to have a formal flag raising ceremony on Saturday, at the flagpole in front of St. Martin’s, right before our annual luncheon. In this way, we can announce to the world (or at least those driving by on Kemble Street) that Lenox School is back in session (albeit for 2 days!). We’ll have the flag in use for all future reunions and events.

None of this of course would be possible without the wonderful support we receive from S&Co. I met briefly with Steve Ball during the scholarship trip to Lenox. Steve reports that they are in good shape both financially and organizationally and their season ahead looks to be a success. S&Co continues to be warm and generous hosts for our annual invasion onto their grounds. We are grateful for their support.

“For scholarship - if it is to be scholarship - requires, in addition to liberty, that the truth take precedence over all sectarian interests, including self-interest.” John Charles Polanyi

We had another wonderful visit to both Miss Hall’s and Berkshire Country Day School to bestow the Pickett and Fawcett scholarships. I accompanied Ed and Sarah Miller and Paul Denzel to represent the LSAA. We now provide a certificate to the recipient, which includes a brief history of Lenox School as well as encouraging them to reflect on the Lenox School motto that influenced us through the years.

We may have some additional entertainment this year at the reunion! We are trying to arrange the opportunity for the Miss Hall’s choral group to sing at one of our venues.

The classes of ’61 and ’66 look like they are earnestly competing to break the turnout established by ’65. I am hoping for the class of ’71 (the last class) to assemble as well for this, their legacy 45th.

Randy Harris has been busy customizing the memorabilia display plans to reflect emphasis on the legacy classes along with other general memorabilia which will be on display. It is incredible what he has accomplished for us over the years.

“All non RSVP guests will be set on fire. That is all.” Wedding-Day-Bliss.com

Coupled with the ever growing ranks of alums, masters, staff and friends that join us, we will likely fill the Lenox Club to capacity once again, so getting your 2016 response form in soon (located at the back of this P&S) will help us ensure the necessary logistics and room to accommodate everyone are made available.

“Say not in grief: “He is no more”, but live in thankfulness that he was.” Hebrew Proverb

We are incorporating a brief but moving “LSAA Missing Person” ceremony at the beginning of our Lenox Club annual dinner. This is to honor and remember all those that have passed and are not able to be with us during the reunion. We will set up a symbolic table to honor those in absence. The story of this ceremony is further explained in the “LSAA Missing Person Ceremony” article elsewhere in this P&S.

“Unless a man undertakes more than he possibly can do, he will never do all that he can.” Henry Drummond

The individuals we’re going to install this year in the LSAA Hall of fame represent the triumph of being shining examples of the Lenox School motto, having served and achieved in innumerable ways. In a room full of outstanding people, these people stand out. Join us at the reunion as we honor those that have honored us through their life’s work.

The dates for the reunion are October 14 and 15. The schedule of events is also enclosed in this edition. See you back at school!

Bob Sansone, ‘68

Sample of the LSAA Scholarship Certificate: