Head's Weekly Message — Jan. 17, 2020
Dear Mayfield Senior School Parents,
This week I’ve felt particularly blessed to be part of our amazing Mayfield Senior School community. As many of you know, my beloved mom, Renée Kidd, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning at the age of almost 91. Mom loved all things Mayfield. She always wanted to hear the latest news about our girls and was so happy every time she was on campus. She loved our arts program in particular and attended as many performances as she could. Having been a serious dancer herself, our Dance Conservatory was her favorite. Thank you for making my mom feel so special and thank you for all your prayers. Please know that my family and I really feel the love.
My mom’s final act of generosity and service was to donate her body to the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. We will be planning a memorial service back in Maryland this summer when all the family will be able to gather to celebrate mom’s life. I know that our California friends will certainly be there in spirit too.
On Sunday I know Mom was very happy that I was able to watch our wonderful equestrian team compete, having spent countless hours herself watching me ride as a child. Our girls rode so well, and they supported each other with such generosity and enthusiasm. Filled with confidence, courage, and grit—they made me extremely proud and they brought home the ribbons too!
I was so moved and comforted by our beautiful liturgy on Wednesday. A celebration of the birthday of our beloved Founder, Cornelia Connelly, it was a wonderful opportunity for me to reflect on the importance of role models in my life. Like my mom, Cornelia was filled with love and joy and she instilled in her children and students an appreciation of the amazing gift of service. I see Cornelia’s spirit alive and active every day in our community—a blessing beyond measure.
I know I will feel my mom’s beautiful spirit as I watch our amazing dancers perform this weekend. A tribute to grace, beauty, courage, and joy—I know my mom will be giving our dancers a standing ovation from heaven. Bravo girls—bravo mom!
With Love and Gratitude,
Kate Morin
Established in 1931, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women grades 9-12. Noted for its rigorous academic program, which includes 28 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Mayfield’s curriculum is underscored by a philosophy of educating the “whole child,” which also encourages commitment to and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service and spiritual growth. The nurturing environment at Mayfield Senior School allows each student to flourish in an atmosphere of personal attention.
