IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Summer 2017 | Page 90

A MESSAGE FROM
Dr. Randal A. Lutz
Superintendent of Schools, Baldwin-Whitehall School District
What does it mean to “leave your mark”
on a place you love?
At Baldwin High School, the answer
to this question involves a little tradition
that has a surprisingly large impact on our
students.
When our new building was completed
in 2009, the graduating senior class
wanted to leave their mark on a building
they’d literally seen come to life. With
this idea in mind, we began the practice
of Senior Handprint Day, in which our
soon-to-be graduates place their palms
in purple paint and leave their handprint
on the white wall of the stairwell. These
Dear Baldwin-Whitehall School District
Community Members,
88 Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall
marks act as individual signatures that
future classes will be able to see every day,
and also serve as daily reminders of the
future success that each current student is
working towards.
As simple as this tradition may seem, its
positive effect on our students extends far
beyond a small splash of color.
Some students see the addition of their
print on the wall as a celebration that
they’ve finally crossed the high school
finish line. Others see it as a way to leave
their own mark side by side with their
friends or siblings, like a snapshot of their
lives that will remain linked throughout
the years. While the addition of their own
handprint means something different
and unique to every student, it’s a moving
experience for them individually and for us
as a school community.
In this issue, you’ll see some of the
impressive ways that students of all ages
are making their mark in our classrooms
and in our communities.
From the exemplary leadership of
volleyball phenomenon Maddi Sgattoni, to
the “pay it forward” mentality that inspires
our Do the Right Thing award recipients,
and the legacy of Baldwin’s legendary
science teacher David Spahr, I’m so proud
of the countless examples of our students,
faculty, and staff continually finding new
ways to make our community a better
place every day.
When considered individually or in
the moment, it’s hard to imagine the
importance of our roles during these
years. But when they’re seen all together,
they are a powerful reminder of what
we are able to achieve when we work in
collaboration.
Thank you for being part of our
community. As unique as the handprints
left behind by the Class of 2017, your
role makes a memorable mark and a big
difference.
Sincerely,
Dr. Randal A. Lutz,
Superintendent of Schools
Baldwin-Whitehall School District