A Steward Tradition

Steward’s campus is made even stronger when Spartans of all ages team up, support one another, and join in a blue-and-gold celebration. That is especially evident at Convocation, which ushers in a new school year and shines a spotlight on our close-knit school community. This year’s Convocation took place on September 4. 

The morning began with the procession of junior kindergarten, kindergarten, and senior buddies along the Colonnade. The Buddy Program is a cherished tradition: At the beginning of the school year, junior kindergarten and kindergarten students are each paired with a senior student, and throughout the year, they gather at school events. Seniors serve as informal mentors, and all buddies benefit from the friendship and empathy that the program encourages. As the buddies processed on their way to the gym, their families lined the Colonnade, applauding and taking photos. 

Hand in hand, the buddies arrived at the gym to “Dark Fortress” and “Mystic Passage” performed by the Concert Band, which is led by Middle/Upper School Instrumental Music Teacher John McAlister. Associate Head of School Lisa Dwelle welcomed guests, and siblings Catherine Joyner ’27, Evie Joyner ’36, Parker Joyner ’32, and Ian Joyner ’29 led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Upper School Chorus, directed by Middle/Upper School Choral Teacher Heidi Taylor, led the audience in a joyful sing-along: Steward’s alma mater. 

In his greeting, Head of School Dan Frank used his love of tennis as an analogy for Steward’s commitment to meaningful connections inside and outside the classroom. After inviting six students to the stage, Mr. Frank tossed tennis balls to them for a lighthearted game of catch. 

“Thanks for having a little fun with us,” said Mr. Frank after the students returned to their seats. “Steward is a community; academic achievement is important …. but so is play, care for each other, respect for each other, and having fun.” Recalling his high school days as a tennis player and the inevitable ups and downs of athletics, he added, “You’re going to have some hard days this year. And you’re going to have some fantastic days, and everything in between. To learn and grow, we have to experience it all. No matter how your year goes, I hope you’ll ask yourself: What have I learned about myself this year? And, based on that answer, What have I learned to do?  I may not win the U.S. Open, publish a poem, or design an engine, but I can teach, help, and support others, and I can continue to learn about and improve at the things I love most. All of you will do fabulous things, and I can’t wait to see it!”

The annual Alumni Achievement Award, which is presented at Convocation each year, recognizes outstanding members of the alumni community who exemplify Steward's mission through inspiration, engagement, and care of others. This year’s award was presented to Minh Khoa D. Tran ’12. Retired faculty member Kate Strickland, who taught kindergarten, presented the award to Mr. Tran. 

Mr. Tran joined the Steward community as a sixth grader. He recalled recently that when he arrived at Steward from his home in Vietnam, he spoke little English and carried a handheld electronic dictionary so that he could look up words in class. He quickly found his place at Steward, making friends, excelling in sports and academics, and developing a deep appreciation for the arts and self-expression. His brother, Minh Dat D. Tran ’08, is also a Spartan.

After graduating from Steward, Mr. Tran earned his B.A. from Georgetown University and his J.D. from the UCLA School of Law, Los Angeles. He had a successful legal career before returning to his birthplace, Ho Chi Minh City, to serve as vice chairman for DUYTAN Recycling, a family-owned business with more than 37 years as Vietnam’s top plastics brand. As a second-generation family business operator, Mr. Tran guides DUYTAN Recycling toward becoming a top recycling business in Southeast Asia. He is committed to building a greener Vietnam and supporting a global circular economy. Mr. Tran also shares his time and energy as a board member of a non-profit that provides services to people with developmental disabilities. 

Ms. Strickland’s remarks reflected a deep admiration for Mr. Tran’s academic and personal achievements.

“He took advantage of the wide variety of opportunities that Steward makes available to students,” she shared, adding that at Steward, Mr. Tran maintained high grades, participated in four sports, and was always open to learning new things. “He still wanted to learn something new for his senior project, so he taught himself breakdancing,” said Ms. Strickland, who for two years drove Mr. Tran to school. “Our conversations during our commute were serious, fun, educational, and informative. We learned from each other.” Addressing Spartans of all ages, she added, “You, too, have opportunities to try new skills, hone your ambitions, and leave a positive legacy. Congratulations, Khoa, on receiving the Alumni Achievement Award. It is well-deserved!
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Joining Mr. Tran at the ceremony were his wife, aunt, uncle, and several Steward alumni friends.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Tran recalled his early days at Steward, noting that they weren’t always easy. Thanks to Steward’s warm community and caring teachers, though, he learned to navigate what he calls “life’s surprises.” He went on to say that three types of courage have guided him over the past 20 years since he first set foot on the Steward campus. 

The courage to be different, to fail, and to be vulnerable have been touchstones in his life, he said. “Steward gave me the space to grow, to stumble, and to find this courage, and it’s given you that same opportunity,” he told students. “These qualities embody the Spartan spirit — bold, resilient, and true. My challenge to you is this: Embrace what makes you unique, learn from your setbacks, and build trust through vulnerability. These principles will keep you grounded in who you are, just as they have for me. I am proud to stand with you today. Go forth, be courageous, and let your Spartan spirit shine.”

Following Mr. Tran’s remarks, the Choral Ensemble, composed of talented students from all divisions, sang “Wonderful Life” under the direction of Lower School Music Teacher Sandy Dacus and Ms. Taylor.

Using Steward’s 2025-26 schoolwide theme of nature as a backdrop, Lower School Director Becky Groves, Middle School Director Susan Atkinson, and Upper School Director Bobby Pollicino then shared their thoughts on the benefits and joys of being in nature. 

“When you spend time outside, your body gets a special ‘sensory diet,’” said Ms. Groves as she encouraged audience members to close their eyes and imagine being in a favorite outdoor spot. “Go outside this year and play in nature!” Ms. Atkinson, reflecting on the fact that growth in nature, and in us, takes time, said, “Let’s be patient with ourselves and with each other. Let’s notice the small changes, celebrate quiet progress, and trust that, like the landscape, trees, and butterflies, we’re becoming something amazing.” Mr. Pollicino encouraged the Steward community to spend more time outside. “Take the time to be present … listen to what nature is teaching you,” he said.

As the Concert Band performed “Stonewood Fanfare and Processional March,” the audience recessed. 

After Convocation, alumni, retired faculty, and lifer families gathered on Lifer Terrace (outside the Athletic Center) for the Alumni and Lifer Family Coffee. Brick pavers on the terrace display the names of all lifers — alumni who attended Steward from junior kindergarten or kindergarten through Grade 12. We are proud that the Class of 2026 includes 10 lifers, and Steward has a total of 209 alumni lifers!

Later in the day, Middle and Upper School students, along with their division directors and teachers, signed the Honor Code — a formal commitment to meeting the mission and values of Steward, including academic and personal integrity. Participating in this rite of passage helps equip students to prepare for the world ahead. Later this month, students in grades 1-5 will sign the Honor Code during a special assembly, and junior kindergarten and kindergarten students will sign it during their Character Education classes.