“If anyone wants to be the first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
— Mark 9:35

Dear Brent Community,

As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, I am honored to share our chapel theme: Lead by Serving. Inspired by the words of Jesus in Mark 9:35, this theme invites each of us to embrace leadership not as authority, but as service—quiet, steadfast, and rooted in care for others.

At Brent, we believe that true leadership is shown in the everyday moments: when we listen, when we help, when we stand for what is right. These are the qualities we strive to nurture through our Brent Crest Values—bravery, knowledge, loyalty, integrity, courtesy, honesty, sincerity, and camaraderie.

This philosophy is also embedded in our Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRs). We aim to grow:

Responsible Citizens who serve their communities,

Critical Thinkers and Life-Long Learners who solve problems with empathy,

Tolerant Individuals who treat others with dignity,

And Healthy, Technologically Literate, and Effective Communicators who lead through action and understanding.

To our students: May you lead not with the need to be first, but with the desire to make others feel seen and valued. To our parents and families: Thank you for partnering with us in shaping future leaders with servant hearts. And to our faculty and staff: Thank you for living out this theme every day—in how you teach, guide, and care.

As we move into another year on this Magic Mountain, may we be reminded that we lead best when we serve first.

With gratitude,

Dr. Celeste Engler
Headmaster