Good morning, I am Michael Sleeker, and welcome to the 2026-2027 school year.
 
Speaking in front of large groups makes me nervous.
 
When I was elected Student Council president this past spring, I immediately understood that I would be speaking to you all today. But, throughout this summer, I was in denial about this moment and convinced myself not to worry about it.
 
But summer ended and the school year started.
 
This past week, Ms. Torrence reminded me that in two Fridays, I would be speaking in front of a little over 1,000 people.
 
In a way, it was a blessing in disguise. I spent the summer worry-free until last week. So, thank you, Ms. Torrence. 
This whole moment reminded me of my Student Council nomination my sophomore year.
 
I came to St. Christopher’s as a freshman. Like any kid at a new school, it is tough to break into leadership positions. At that time, I was not looking to take on anything extra. I was just super happy to have gotten into the school.
 
Then, in the fall of my sophomore year, I was nominated to run for our Student Council representative.
I was honored to be nominated, but I had no desire to create a speech and present it in front of my entire grade. I was perfectly happy with my normal routine: classes, friends, and sports.
 
For as long as I had to wait, I was seriously contemplating turning down the offer. Fortunately, a little peer pressure got the best of me, and I accepted the nomination. I presented a speech, and by some luck, I was elected.
 
Looking back on that moment, saying yes created opportunities I never would have expected.  It gave me the chance to serve my class, and, eventually, this school.  It gave me the opportunity to learn through service, make great memories with the guys in Student Council, work with the teachers, and build relationships throughout the school.
 
And that is what I think makes St. Christopher’s special.
 
St. Christopher’s offers so many opportunities to do the extra. They provide distinct avenues to grow as a person and step outside of your comfort zone. We are so lucky to have a school where we are encouraged to push ourselves and strive for, as one of our pillars says, “the Pursuit of Excellence.”
 
The extra could be as big as running for a leadership position, joining a club, or trying a new sport. But it can also be something much smaller: talking to someone you normally would not talk to, getting to know a teacher, helping someone who needs it, or simply being kind to the people around you.
 
I think it is really easy to get and stay comfortable.
 
You find your friends. You know your routine. You know what classes you like, what sports you play, and what you are good at. And there is nothing wrong with that.
 
But some of the best parts of life come from the things you almost decided not to do. For me, that was running for Student Council sophomore year. And now, two years later, I am standing in front of all of you.
 
As one of the school pillars, the Pursuit of Excellence teaches us to do a little more. At St. Christopher’s, it is part of our culture to work harder, push ourselves, and try new things. For me, simply saying yes to Student Council opened doors I never expected, and I would not have the memories or opportunities I have today if I had stayed in my comfort zone.
 
So, as we start another school year, I encourage everyone to do one thing that makes you uncomfortable.
 
Try out for something you have never done. Talk to someone new. Run for a position. Join a club. Make relationships with teachers. Take the challenging class. Or just put yourself in tough situations.
 
You might not be good at it. You might be nervous. You might even want to quit. But you never know what can come from simply saying yes.