President's Letter

Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence:  Our History, Your Story!

What an exciting year for an alumna of Elizabeth Seton High School to return to her alma mater as president!  I thank God, the Company of the Daughters of Charity, and the Seton Community for the opportunity to give back to Seton, some of the many gifts that Seton gave to me.

As we commemorate our 50th Anniversary, it is wonderful for me to join in jubilation because I know firsthand the deep faith formation and the far superior education that I received during my years at Seton.  This has obviously shaped my entire life, and has led me to find much joy, much happiness, and much success.  Likewise, it has also sustained me in times of hardship, uncertainty, and adversity.

We also commemorate the 200th Anniversary of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton coming to Emmitsburg, the home of the Daughters of Charity. As we review her life of both trials and triumphs, we can root ourselves in her faith, her trust, and her courage because we have experienced her holiness, a holiness that has inspired countless members of the Elizabeth Seton High School family.

This time of commemoration is coupled with a time of celebration for me.  First, I celebrate Seton’s growth, development, and progression.  I am grateful that Seton has not stood still, and that is has advanced to meet new standards of education.  I commend the Seton community for its vision, commitment, and generosity.  The Brooks Center for athletics and fine arts, the successful awarding of Middle States Accreditation, and Seton’s High School Ranking are just a few examples of its recent achievements.

Secondly, I celebrate Seton’s community.  The collegial style of leadership, the empowerment of the staff that stimulates creativity and a communal sense of service, and the graciousness and goodness of the students are hallmarks of Seton’s spirit, a spirit that inspires everyone to fulfill the mission of the school.

Finally, I celebrate Seton’s commitment.  Without a doubt, there is passion, dedication, and devotion as young people and adults driven by the search for meaning in their lives, for spirituality, and for God offer the best of themselves to witness to truth, to the value of life, and to the human dignity of all peoples.  This commitment releases a never ending energy that can only be the work of God’s spirit, alive at Seton.

The story of Seton today, built on the history of Seton yesterday, is definitely vibrant enough to steer Seton into the future, a future full of hope and promise.

Our hope is that everyone feels welcome to visit us or to contact us by email or phone, whenever we can serve you.  We also hope that you will continually join us in prayer to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, which will establish a spiritual bond with us that can do “immeasurably more that we can ever imagine or ask for”.

May God grant you each day the Light to Know and the Grace to Do!

Sister Ellen Marie Hagar

President