If you know anyone who graduated from Montgomery Bell Academy, chances are they wear the ring. They wear it with pride on their right hand. Forever.
The ring is plain and understated. Nothing ostentatious or showy.
The ring is not given. Not by a long stretch. It is earned. When you see it, you know. Those who wear it have worked, studied, survived, and thrived in a cauldron of competitiveness during what are perhaps the most formative years of their young lives.
A good friend of mine, John Rowland, has a son in JP's class (2027). A couple of years ago, John said, "MBA is a daily competition. Academically. Athletically. Socially." He was right.
MBA is not for every boy. It's hard. Intense. And, yes, competitive in every way.
Still, the boys who go to school at MBA support each other unequivocally. As much pride is taken in the success of the debate and mock trial teams - and they have had massive success - as in State Championships in lacrosse, soccer, or track and field. MBA's choir travels all over the country to perform and many of its members excel academically while also playing sports. Almost all of the boys are involved in a variety of service projects.
To me, really separates MBA is the Honor Code. The boys govern themselves by it, which I know firsthand as a result of JP's membership on the Honor Counsel for the past three years. He takes great pride, I think, in playing a small role in preserving one of the things that sets MBA apart from other, similar independent schools.
It's hard for me to put into words my admiration and respect for JP and all he has accomplished at MBA. Not just athletically but academically and through his membership on the Honor Council.
For the past four and a half years, almost every night, I've watched JP go up to his room and study. For hours. I've watched him prepare for quizzed, tests, and presentations. At times, he's been under great stress and heart has hurt for him. I've known, though, that learning to persevere under difficult circumstances is preparing him for college and life beyond college.
I've seen JP get up on a school day in the spring, at 5:30 a.m., to get a training run in before an early breakfast. Then, he's driven to school early for an Honor Council Meeting. After a long day of classes, he's played a baseball game. At home, before and after dinner, he's in his books, upstairs, in his room studying.
He's grinned, each and every day, but that's why he takes such pride in going to school at MBA. Few people I know are more humble than JP but as his father, I know he's proud of what he's accomplished at MBA, as he should be.
Yesterday morning in the Paschall Theater, Jude and I watched our dear friend, Russ Allen (MBA '94) present JP with his ring at the ring ceremony for rising juniors. Jude and I were moved and, honestly, fought back tears as JP, clad in coat and tie, walked in front of us, shook Russ's hand, accepted his ring.
It was a moment I will never forget.
Earned, not given.
