After Head of School Mr. Craig Bradley announced his planned retirement during a January 14 All-school meeting in Elfers Hall, students and faculty joined in a long, standing ovation to recognize his nine years of leadership, commitment, and service.

For many of us, this announcement brings a flood of emotions. Mr. Bradley has been more than just a leader; through the many triumphs and challenges he has led us through, he has shaped the very heart of this community.

Mr. Bradley began his tenure under extraordinarily difficult circumstances, as the school confronted the painful memories of historical sexual misconduct that had been silenced for many decades and that the previous administration failed to respond to.

Whether it was releasing the 2018 Locke Lord Report, responding to a disappointed public and alumni community, or dedicating the Courage Garden to survivors in 2022, Mr. Bradley filled a heavy role as the face of the school with incredible personal strength, honesty, and determination.

It was through the range of new policies, support systems, and educational initiatives he put in place that the community started to heal.

During his tenure, he also helped steer the school through the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping the school open and making it a priority to modify our spaces to make it a safe place. His calm demeanor allowed us to continue with our day-to-day lives without too many major disruptions.

Mr. Bradley’s willingness to engage in the many different aspects of student life has made the school feel more like a home. His efforts to attend sports games, concerts, musicals, and community events despite his busy schedule help illustrate he truly cares about the students.

While we would love Mr. Bradley to stay with us forever, we would love it more if he enjoys his well-deserved retirement. From the bottom of our hearts: thank you, Mr. Bradley. Thank you for guiding the school through thick and thin, helping the school feel like our home away from home, and making us proud to be Bearcats.

We’re glad that we have one more year with you, and we wish you the best in your eventual retirement!