Dear St. Mark’s Community,

It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I address my new home in the St. Mark’s community. I see the word community as key in all that St. Mark’s is as an institution. We are a community of learners, responsible for supporting one another as a team and advocates for all our children. We are a community spiritually through our relationship with St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. This is a wonderful benefit and privilege, as Episcopal Schools are well known for their outstanding academics and their acceptance of others’ faith journeys within their school and Parish life. I often remember what an old friend, Father Dennis Kezar, would say prior to our school Eucharist service with regard to receiving the host; all may, most shall, some should. It was his words that often reminded me why Episcopal Schools thrived; for their acceptance of others opens many opportunities for learning.

When I first walked onto St. Mark’s campus this past fall I knew immediately that it would be a wonderful home for my family. The facilities are beautiful and clearly reflect the great work that has been done by past stewards of the School. The teachers are dedicated professionals that work hard to provide a challenging academic environment, while still nurturing the individual child. As the School’s philosophy states, class sizes allow teachers a strong understanding of and connection to each student.  As the father of a rising second grader, it was important to me to find a school that valued community and had the structures in place for academics that prepare students well for the challenges and rigor of competitive secondary schools. I look forward to being a part of this continued effort, and always to look for opportunities to do this even better.

I want to be sure to thank the current School administration for the time they took with me on my visits. It is clear that this group has and continues to lead with conviction, making the growth of St. Mark’s their mission; I look forward to working with them. I want to thank the Board of Trustees collectively for their faith in me and for their excellent leadership and vision for the future of St. Mark’s. While this group is made up of many, I want to note our Rector, Patrick Miller, Board Chair, Trey Stiles, Sr. Warden, Shelley Marmon, and Kate Clarke for the extra time they gave along the way. In addition to the Board, the Search Committee should be noted for their thorough and professional job in running this search. Dan Samora led a fantastic team from start to finish and Kristin Uptmor took wonderful care of me during my visit.  I was consistently reminded through my interactions with these groups that St. Mark’s was the right school at the right time.

I would like to extend a special thank you to the many parents that volunteered their time to help my wife, Christine. While I was dealing with school, she was working hard on family business. Christine could not say enough about your hospitality. Every person was warm, welcoming, and made it easy to see ourselves as a part of this community. Christine and I both look forward to joining you all soon.

The Wagers family is most excited about our transition, and making Houston and St. Mark’s our home. I see a bright future for us. Thank you for entrusting me with the leadership of your school community; it is with tremendous pride that I will serve as your Head of School. We are heading to great places.  

Sincerely,

Garhett Wagers