Senior Night is traditionally a time to recognize senior athletes for their dedication and commitment to St. Mary’s athletics. It is also an opportunity for the school community to reflect on what it means to be supportive, respectful, and representative of the values St. Mary’s upholds.
Following the varsity basketball game against ASIJ, school leadership used the occasion to remind students of the expectations for positive spectator behavior at school sporting events. In a message to students, School Headmaster Mr. Andrew Davies, emphasized that supporting school teams goes beyond celebrating a win. “When we support our friends and classmates in sport, our role as spectators involves cheering for our teams and providing encouragement,” he wrote, while also highlighting the importance of sportsmanship and respect for opponents.
Mr. Davies also spoke about the responsibility students have as hosts when welcoming visiting teams to campus. He noted that St. Mary’s students are expected to reflect the school’s core values of “respect, responsibility, integrity, courage, compassion, and harmony,” especially during high-profile events.
In his message, Mr. Davies placed particular emphasis on the role of upperclassmen in shaping school culture. He explained that older students are expected to serve as role models for younger students through their words and actions, especially in visible school settings.
Mr. Davies encouraged students to think critically about how their behavior represents the wider school community. He stated that “Men of Character take the high road and think through how they would like to be remembered and perceived and how to best represent the school.”
While athletic success is an important part of school sports, Mr. Davies stressed that it should always be accompanied by respectful conduct. He concluded by stating that visitors to St. Mary’s should leave with a positive impression of the school’s sportsmanship, care for others, and appreciation for student-athletes on both teams.
