Walking in Someone Else's Shoes: Convocation Inspires Saints to Lead with Empathy

Students, faculty, staff, retired Saints and current and past trustees filled the Thomas W. Johnson Gymnasium in the Beazley Center on Thursday, August 27, as NSA officially opened the 2026-2027 school year with its annual Convocation celebration. Centered on the theme Empathy in Action: Kindness. Service. Leadership., this year's Convocation challenged Saints to recognize the experiences that make each person unique, seek to understand one another and turn that understanding into action that strengthens the NSA community. 

The morning began with music from the NSA Band and one of Convocation's most meaningful traditions, a procession of kindergarten students accompanied by their senior buddies. Representing the beginning and end of a Saint's educational journey, the procession highlights the special connection between our oldest and youngest students.

Head of School Mike Barclay welcomed students, faculty, staff and special guests before introducing Middle School Student Council representative Taylor Thompson '31, who led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Upper School Chorus, led by Choral Director Taylor See, then performed the Alma Mater.

Upper School Student Council President Chase Eliason '27 then offered a personal perspective on what it means to be a Saint. As an NSA student for more than 10 years and a member of a family that maintains a near-constant presence at the Main Campus, Chase knows firsthand what it means to feel connected to the school community. He compared the relationships formed at NSA to those within a family, with teachers and coaches acting as parents and classmates and teammates as siblings.

"There is a place for you in this family," said Chase. "Every Saint plays a role in helping this community be the best it can be. So, as we start a new year, be a great member of this family. Look out for your classmates, especially the ones we've newly adopted. Thank your teachers, and say hello to your school grandpa, Mr. Barclay. Let's not take these moments as a family for granted."

Chase's message of belonging and caring for one another carried into Mr. Barclay's remarks as he introduced a theme that will guide the NSA community throughout the year. Reflecting on the themes of his previous three Convocation addresses, Mr. Barclay reminded students of the many ways, both large and small, they can strengthen the NSA community. This year, he challenged them to see that community from a different perspective, literally.

Reaching behind the podium, Mr. Barclay pulled out a pair of his blue and gold sneakers and asked students to imagine what it might feel like to walk in his shoes as head of school. He wasn't asking them to wear the sneakers, he explained, but to consider what he might be feeling, even if they had never experienced it themselves.

He then revealed two more pairs of shoes belonging to Josh Simpson '27 and his kindergarten buddy, Griffin Mitchell '39.

Josh and Griffin joined Mr. Barclay on stage and were asked to imagine what it might feel like to walk in the other's shoes.

Mr. Barclay first asked Josh to think back to his first day of kindergarten. Josh reflected on what it felt like trying to find his classroom and making new friends. Then, Mr. Barclay asked Griffin what he thought Josh might be feeling as he begins his senior year. 

They could not know what the other was experiencing, Mr. Barclay explained. What mattered was making the effort to understand.

"That's empathy," said Mr. Barclay. "It's making the effort to understand what someone else may be feeling, even when you haven't lived the exact same experience."

The lesson introduced NSA's theme for the 2026-2027 school year: Empathy in Action: Kindness. Service. Leadership.

"When we choose empathy, kindness follows," said Mr. Barclay. "Service becomes natural and leadership takes care of itself. The wonderful thing is these aren't new ideas at NSA. They're already part of who we are. Every day we see students choosing kindness, helping a classmate, welcoming a new student, serving our community and mentoring young Saints. Those moments may look different, but they all began the same way. Someone noticed another person. Someone chose to care. That's empathy in action."

Mr. Barclay challenged every Saint to look for opportunities to put that empathy into action throughout the school year, while giving the Class of 2027 a special charge to set the tone for the entire student body.

"When you see someone who needs a friend, be that friend," said Mr. Barclay. "When someone needs help, help them. When you have the opportunity to make someone's day just a little better, do it. And when you aren't sure what someone else may be going through, stop. Think. Choose empathy."

Convocation concluded with senior Honor Council representative Caitlin Miranda '27 retiring the Class of 2026 banner. As the NSA Band played  "When the Saints Go Marching In," the Varsity Cheerleading Team performed, tossing streamers in the air, and our mascot, Bernie, made his grand entrance to kick off the new academic year.

"Now, let's go show the world what Empathy in Action looks like at NSA," said Mr. Barclay. "Go Saints!"