Message from Suzanne Walker Buck

November 21, 2018

Dear Reserve Community,

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. Gathering with loved ones, making memories (and if you are like me, also making a mess in the kitchen), sharing food, stories and spirit, I relish this opportunity to reflect, appreciate and be. For me, there is a peacefulness that is found at this time of year, even amidst the football fanaticism. It's the calm before the storm of December's material madness. Thanksgiving is about taking a pause, appreciating the gifts in my life and expressing gratitude for people, experiences and even the challenges that have fostered skills or new understandings.

It is in the spirit of Thanksgiving that I write to you today. How grateful I am for the opportunity to join Western Reserve Academy. How appreciative I am for the support and incredible welcome you have extended to my family and to me.

From the moment I first stepped foot on campus I was impressed by the school. Beautiful facilities, the meticulously groomed landscape — it was clear to me that there was a commitment to sustaining a stellar environment for learning and life. While this was indeed striking, that which made the most indelible impression was the devotion of the WRA community. In each conversation I heard a love for the school, a dedication to her people and a willingness to roll up one's sleeves to do the difficult yet essential work to ensure Western Reserve Academy's vibrant future. As a Head of School candidate, this left a wonderful and significant impression. If that was not enough, the level of thoughtfulness with which the community has engaged with the Buck Family leaves me speechless. From a custom-designed visit in which all of our family's questions could be answered, to the outpouring of emails, letters, videos and social media posts, both my head and heart have been touched in ways I will never forget.

For nearly 200 years, Western Reserve Academy has been a leader in the landscape of independent school education. With an acclaimed independent curriculum, WRA doesn't just provide a top notch education to students, it fosters the development of soon-to-be alumni who make an impact in our world. I extend my gratitude to all of the leaders who have made the school what it is today. I also want to publicly thank the Board of Trustees and Head of School Chris Burner for their graciousness in supporting this new leadership transition.

I will officially begin my post in July. Over the next eight months, I will participate in scheduled phone conferences with the Co-Presidents of the Board of Trustees and a number of administrators who will keep me apprised of all that's transpiring at WRA. I will be applauding the numerous successes of Pioneers from afar. I will also come back to campus in the new year. Opportunities for us to connect will be shared, and I very much look forward to spending time with you.

I wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thank you for embracing my family and me as members of the proud Reserve community.

Warmest wishes for the holiday season,

Suzanne Walker Buck