In the classroom, I saw alert, attentive young people ready to listen and learn. I can’t tell you, as one who has experienced various school environments, just how much of a privilege it is to teach at Coram Deo Academy. Yes, kids will be kids, but these young folks (thanks be to God and to you dedicated parents) are, for lack of a better word, special. When I’m lecturing in the classroom and all eyes are on me, that’s special. When I arrived late to a house meeting from an interview with some parents, and found thirty-five students working diligently on their house mission statement, that’s special. When I visited the football team practice and saw a young man--a player not a manager-- seek out the coaches to give them water during the break, that’s special. CDA is a special place, and I’m glad to be a part of it and look forward to a great year with these gifted students.