My Identity, Community and Legacy
Jamie Lougheed ’87, P’18 is Chief Advancement Officer at Crescent School. He delivered the following address at the Town Hall meeting on May 9, where the Our Way Forward campaign was unveiled to the Crescent community.
As a former student, teacher, and parent of an alumnus, my 44-year relationship to Crescent School runs deep. I experienced the highs and lows of adolescence in these hallways and classrooms, surrounded by the supportive staff and brotherhood that I believe is unique to Crescent. My teachers played such an important and influential role in defining my identity and shaping the man I am today.
When I arrived on the Crescent campus in September of 1980 at 12 years old, I thought it was like Disneyland. I was excited but nervous at the same time. I didn’t yet know that this place would become my home, first metaphorically and then quite literally when I became a Lower School teacher and moved into the third-floor Manor suite with my wife, Alanna.
Crescent didn’t use the term “relational learning” when I was a student, but I still felt the attention and care that the faculty took in my growth and development. Teachers like Steve Davies and Pat Mills mentored me and helped me through challenging moments. They continue to be trusted friends to this day. Pat’s son, Charlie, teaches in the Middle School and I used to babysit him when he was a kid—it’s a real full-circle Crescent story.
This August Alanna and I are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. On my wedding day, five of my six ushers were guys I met in Grade 7 at Crescent School. They remain my best friends today and we all continue to give back to Crescent, not just financially, but through our time, energy, expertise, and passion. I will be forever thankful to Crescent for giving me this community.
In our 1987 yearbook, I ended my quote by saying, “Thanks Crescent for all the unforgettable memories you have given me. Now it's time to teach others what you've taught me.” I had no idea how prophetic that statement would be. I have spent the past 30 years of my life in service to education and Crescent School, and I imagine I will continue to do so until my final days.
At my graduation, my dad, who was a very humble and private guy, walked across the Formal Garden with an envelope in his hand. He found former Headmaster John Tansey, shook his hand, and gave him the envelope. Driving to dinner, I asked, “Dad, what were you giving Mr. Tansey?” He said, “I gave the school a donation.” I was very surprised. “But I just graduated. Why are you doing that now?” He told me to trust him, that I would understand someday.
My dad was my inspiration. He taught me to leave the world better than I found it. Our collective legacy will be leaving this school in a better place than it is today for future generations of Crescent students. I ask you to think about that as you look towards the future and this exciting next chapter in Crescent's history.
