A Message of Inspiration

by:

Dr. Christina Seamster

February 12, 2025

This month, I encourage all of us—students, teachers, staff, and families—to approach each day with a heart full of kindness. Let’s remember to not only express gratitude for the efforts of those around us but also to offer a helping hand, listen with empathy, and extend support when needed.

As we celebrate the month of love, I want to take a moment to remind each of us of the profound power of kindness, positivity, and gratitude. Love isn’t just a feeling, it’s an action, and it can be found in the smallest of gestures. In the midst of our busy schedules, it’s easy to overlook the little things that make a big difference, whether it’s a smile, a kind word, or a simple thank you. These small actions have the ability to brighten someone’s day and create ripple effects throughout our school community with big impact.

This month, I encourage each of us, including students, teachers, staff, and families, to approach each day with a heart full of kindness. Let’s remember to not only express gratitude for the efforts of those around us but also to offer a helping hand, listen with empathy, and extend support when needed. These acts of care and respect lay the foundation for an environment where every person feels seen, valued, and understood.

The power of a supportive community cannot be underestimated. When we take the time to appreciate each other, we foster a place where love, empathy, and respect thrive. Our actions, no matter how small, contribute to the larger goal of creating a world that is not only academically rich but also socially and emotionally nourishing. Together, we can cultivate a culture where love is at the center of everything we do, where we lift each other up, and where we build lasting connections that extend far beyond the virtual walls of our school.

As we continue this journey through the month, let’s make an effort to show our appreciation for the simple joys and the deep connections we share. Let’s fill our virtual community with encouragement and positivity, and in doing so, make our school a true reflection of what a loving and caring community can be.

In honor of the month of love, our teachers shared with us what they love about teaching at Holston Academy!

“I love meeting students from diverse backgrounds with a love for learning and a passion for living.” – Joseph Chernich

“Teaching is one of my heart’s passions, and so each moment spent getting to know my students, in nurturing their curiosity and inspiring their growth, fills my soul with joy and purpose.” – Paul Niemand

“The best part of working at Holston is the familial interaction with colleagues; this creates such a warm place to work, and it overflows into contact with students, which just makes working at Holston an absolute pleasure.” – Rebecca Barnes

“The best part of working at Holston is it allows teachers to meet students where they’re at.” – Scott Zacher

“I love having time to meet with students one-on-one! These interactions are so valuable because I can learn so much about how students learn and thrive. I also love that Holston’s environment is designed around individualized learning! I’ve been dreaming of a school like this for years.” – Timothy du Vall-Brown

“I love teaching at Holston because we provide a personalized learning experience for each student; students are given the flexibility to learn through their individual interests instead of “one size fits all” content.” – Sharon Nolan

“One of the many aspects of Holston that I like is the diversity of the Holston community.  Multicultural education has two sides, and Holston embodies both of them:  education of the culturally different, and education about cultural differences, especially through the acquisition of world languages.” – Guy Fregault

“The best part of teaching at Holston is the opportunity to work with each student individually, ensuring they truly understand the material. I can meet students where they are and help them grow at their own pace.” – Megan Koscianski

Thank you for being a vital part of our school community. Together, let’s continue to inspire and uplift each other as we move through this beautiful season.

With deep appreciation,

Dr. Christina Seamster, Head of Schools