![Dr. Maxwell delivers the Fall Convocation address]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1789772957/johnbapstorg/fzoq1xwzmuleqpceoehf/DSC_0432-3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1789772957/johnbapstorg/fzoq1xwzmuleqpceoehf/DSC_0432-3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1789772957/johnbapstorg/fzoq1xwzmuleqpceoehf/DSC_0432-3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1789772957/johnbapstorg/fzoq1xwzmuleqpceoehf/DSC_0432-3.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1789772957/johnbapstorg/fzoq1xwzmuleqpceoehf/DSC_0432-3.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1789772957/johnbapstorg/fzoq1xwzmuleqpceoehf/DSC_0432-3.jpg","width":2048}])
John Bapst kicked off the 2026–2027 school year with our fall convocation, and Dr. Sally Maxwell, our new Head of School, gave students a lesson they won't find in a textbook.
Her address was called "Telling Stories to Be Happy." In it, she shared her own story: growing up in South Florida, clashing with her mother over what she was allowed to wear (and winning), and attending an academically challenging school that changed the trajectory of her life.
But the point wasn't really about her. It was a question for every student in the room: you don't get to choose most of the facts of your life, but you do get to choose what they mean. What story will you tell about your time at John Bapst?
Dr. Maxwell reminded everyone in the room that happiness isn't about money or perfect circumstances. It's built through connection, gratitude, and the stories we choose to carry forward, and it takes real work.
You can watch Dr. Maxwell's address here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GauAR9RdgmE