118th School Year Begins

The St. Mark’s campus came to life with the return of 914 boys and the beginning of its 118th school year. The searing Texas heat did nothing to stifle the spirit of the boys as lockers were stocked, summer assignments submitted and homework folders organized.  
 
As the year kicked off, the entire campus community gathered in the Great Hall for Opening Convocation on the morning of Monday, Aug. 21.  
 
The Upper School Band, led by band director Analisa Rodriguez, accompanied students and members of Boy Scout Troup 730 conducted the presentation of the colors. Senior Class President Nolan Marcus ’24 read a lesson from the Book of Ecclesiastes. 
 
Following an opening prayer by Rev. Stephen K. Arbogast, school chaplain, Board of Trustees President Jeff Hillier ’76 greeted the community and reminded everyone of their shared blessings at 10600 Preston Road.
 
“Boys, you are blessed to have a stellar faculty of teachers who are at the absolute top of their game and who care deeply about you as students and young men,” Hillier said. “Teachers, you are blessed with boys who are eager to learn, curious and motivated. I know you will all push each other every day to be your absolute best.”
 
Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini reaffirmed the love and support boys receive at the School.
 
“As we begin this 118th school year here at St. Mark’s School of Texas, it’s a time for us to be optimistic and hopeful. Of course, there’s always a bit of nerves,” Dini said.  “Perhaps a little bit of uncertainty about the first day of school and the opening of school, especially if you’re new. But know that you’ll be surrounded by love and support and care every step of the way. Again, whether it’s your first day, or the beginning of your final year at St. Mark’s, we are in it together.
 
“So as you make your way on the path to manhood, remember that your integrity is developed and cared for one day at a time. It’s about developing the habits of positive behavior. And as always, it’s not what you achieve, but who you are, that matters the most,” he concluded.
 
Student Council President Alex Soliz ’24 challenged students to appreciate all they have here.
 
“No matter what year you graduate, whether you’re in class discussing summer reading books, walking across the Quad or playing ball tag in the Lower School playground, it’s easy to take what we have for granted, “Soliz said. “We are surrounded by people who want us to succeed and by people who will help us reach our full potentials. We have such a golden community here at school, but more importantly, we have a web of people that care.” 
 
Aadi Khasgawala ’23, who just 11 weeks ago was honored with the School Flag award at Commencement ceremonies in May, encouraged boys to challenge themselves and experience something that gives them “ten seconds of nervousness.”
 
“The first step is to find an opportunity,” he said. “Then, recognize when you’re in the tenth second of nervousness. Finally, in that 11th second, act, lock in and execute. That last step is what you do the rest of today, tomorrow and every day after that to make your St. Mark’s experience.”
 
The 2023–2024 school year began with 914 Marksmen on campus, comprised of 420 in Upper School, 342 in Middle School and 152 in Lower School. 
 
Additionally, nine new faculty members joined the St. Mark’s community, including the School’s newest master teacher, Dr. Michael Lane, who was appointed to the Leonard M. “Doc” Nelson Alumni Master Teaching Chair.