Good morning, everyone. I think most people know who I am, but just in case: My name is John Austin. I’m the head of school,

Class of 2026, families, faculty, staff, and friends, I want to begin with some thanks, since there are many who have made the blessings of

“One-sidedness has always been the rule . . . many sidedness the exception” —John Stuart Mill, “On the Freedom of Thought and Expression” September 14,

October 21, 2024 I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to share this evening with you. I want to acknowledge Lee Levison, who is

Good morning, everyone. I think most people know who I am. I’ve been here for six years now, but for those of you who don’t,

Good morning, everyone. On behalf of the entire Deerfield community, I am delighted to welcome you to the Academy’s 226th Commencement. I will have more

On behalf of the entire Deerfield community, I’m delighted to welcome you to Deerfield. This is my sixth year as head of school, after nine

Good afternoon, Deerfield, and welcome to Convocation. I wanted to thank Billy for his remarks, congratulate our award winners, and recognize one and all, especially our seniors, for beginning the year with such energy and spirit. As we look to the new academic year—a year I hope that will be rich in learning and joy—I also want to acknowledge your teachers here today—for their service, their creativity, their dedication to the art and craft of teaching and mentoring, and their commitment to the mission of this school.  

On behalf of faculty, staff, and students, I’m delighted to welcome you to Deerfield. This is my fifth year as head of school after nine years serving as Headmaster at King’s Academy in Jordan, and prior to that, 17 years as a teacher, coach, department head, and dean at St. Andrew’s School in Delaware, which is where Monica, my wife and a teacher of English at Deerfield, and I both graduated. My education began in a public school in North Carolina, but boarding school is part of my DNA. I’m told that we are hoping that roughly 70% of you will accept our offer of admission for next year. I’m shooting for 100%—First, because I’m competitive (sometimes irrationally, so since we don’t have room for everyone!), and second, I want you to love Deerfield the way I do, the way my colleagues do, and the way our students do. But I know there are many wonderful schools out there, and most of all, I want you to make the best possible choice for your son or daughter, whether it’s Deerfield or another school, and find a school community where they can discover their best selves, realize their promise and potential, and fully flourish.

Good afternoon and welcome to Convocation. I want to thank Preyas for his eloquent and funny remarks, and congratulate again each of you who were recognized with awards. Your efforts and achievements stand as symbols for the potential, promise, and goodness that resides in each and every student here this afternoon. Let me begin with a definition. Jeremiad: after the Biblical prophet Jeremiah and derived from the Book of Jeremiah: a lamentation, usually in prose, denouncing the present state of society and contrasting it with an idealized past. Jeremiads are usually delivered by someone old and cranky, and they often turn on a denunciation of the failings of a younger generation. I do not plan on making that mistake. I have unbounded faith in you—and your generation— but I will admit: There is a bit of the jeremiad in what I wish to say to you today.