David O'Halloran, Headmaster - Saint David's School, New York City

  “Accept and trust in yourself. Focus on your interests. Those interests will connect you to everything."    These inspiring words were delivered during a master class given last Thursday in our theatre to our eighth grade boys by legendary artist Jeff Koons, the featured speaker at the Frederic (Eric) Wu ’14 Alumni Parents Council Lectures. The event, which also included the boys' parents and alumni parents in attendance, focused on Koons' philosophy about art.   Koons led us on a fascinating tour of his works: from his early inflatables and gazing balls to the iconic creations like "Balloon Dog" and the commemorative "Bouquet of Tulips" metal sculpture, erected in the wake of terrorist attacks in France in 2015.    His art, which by turn references the classical art of Greece as well as popular culture, calls upon the viewer to reflect —sometimes literally, as in his mirrored gazing ball sculptures — and to make connections. At Saint David’s, we spea

“I am speaking today because I want to tell you what Horizons means to me. I remember the memorable times of Horizons like the trips to the Guggenheim, Seeing Spiderman Far From Home , the lunch… These experiences shaped me into the person and student I am today. Joining a community and learning how to give a firm handshake gave me room to build my confidence in talking with others, as you can see. Besides that, Horizons helped me academically. Horizons formed me into a successful high schooler. This year I rowed on the crew team, got a lead in the theater program and continue to perform well academically.  “I’m still in touch with friends I made at Horizons, and some are even at Fordham with me. I use the lessons I learned here every day. And will continue to through high school and beyond. The joyful memories and experiences I’ve had at Horizons are priceless and are better than anything I could’ve possibly imagined."--Noah R., Horizons at Saint David's Alumnus .   Noah, who