Anchoring her comments in Oakcrest’s founding vision, she reminded parents that the school was built on “a solid Christian anthropology, grounded in the liberal arts tradition” and animated by the pursuit of virtus et veritas, “because the pursuit of excellence is based on truth and supported by virtue.”

Drawing on the roots of the liberal arts, she reminded parents that this education aims ultimately to awaken the whole person. Quoting Socrates, she noted that “education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel,” and echoed Aristotle’s insight that “all men are born wanting to know,” especially to know “what it means to be a human person, to cultivate the soul.”

To accomplish this underlying mission for education, Dr. Maksym quoted Pope Paul VI: “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers.” She explained how the Teacher Institute trains faculty in educating in this unique and profound way. The Institute is guided by four essential questions: “What is the human person? What is a teacher/student? What is a school? What is instruction?” Through shared inquiry, peer observation, and ongoing formation, teachers grow not only as instructors, but as witnesses. 

Her remarks underscored the unified work of Oakcrest parents and teachers in forming young women who can “bring out the best of their potential in all the dimensions of their personhood.” This, she says, is the “pursuit of excellence.” 

Dr. Makysm will now be offering a four-part parent formation series, titled “Striving for Excellence,” offering a deeper dive into the foundations of philosophical anthropology and what it means for parents in the work of forming their daughters. The series opened on Wednesday, November 19, with the introductory session, “The Human Person: The Option for Excellence.”

The full transcript of Dr. Maksym’s talk is available now for those who wish to read her reflections in greater depth.