ASP - American School of Paris

6/asp lifeBienvenue!The entire ASP community joined together tocelebrate the start of a new school year whichbrings so much promise for change.More than 500 people enjoyed our BienvenueCocktail, this year in the sumptuous setting ofthe historic Marshall Center on the Place de laConcorde in the heart of the capital.It was an opportunity to both welcome and get to knowASP’s new Head of School, Mark E. Ulfers and thePresident of the Board of Trustees, Elisabeth Seeley,as well as a chance to toast our faculty and staff as weembark on the 10-11 school year.And of course, it was also a chance to catch up withold friends and make some new ones with a glass ofchampagne and enjoy the talented ASP String Ensemble.Joining the excitement was ASP Parent and honoredguest, the US Ambassador to France, Charles Rivkin whogave a wonderfully inspiring speech:‘‘ASP was founded in 1946 at a time whena growing international community was comingto Paris in aftermath of the Second World Warto build a better future.Some parents of ASP’s first students likely worked here in this very room onthe implementation of the Marshall Plan.Today’s ASP community is made up of the proud descendants of thattradition, heirs of the long friendship between France and the United States.And like them, you embody the vision of a world in which, working together,we can realize the future that none of us can achieve alone.More importantly, you pass these values on to future generations, educatingtoday the leaders of tomorrow.As the American Ambassador to France, I take this task to heart. That’s whyI will do everything I can to sustain and strengthen the close relationshipexisting between your school and the Embassy. And as the father of twoASP students, I want you to know how grateful my wife Susan and I are tothe entire school for giving our children such a life-changing experience.Believe me, discussions around our dinner table are a little different thanwhat they used to be back in Los Angeles.Their eyes, like those of all their classmates, have been opened to newpossibilities thanks to the vision of the School’s leadership, the qualityand commitment of the faculty, the dedication of the entire staff, theunconditional support of the parents, and the rich diversity of the studentbody.Here, I want to note the crucial role played by the Board of Trustees andsingle out its President, Lis Seeley, who’sdone so much to ensure the future ofASP.With Mark Ulfers, our new Head ofschool, this future is in good hands. Markbrings a wealth of experience to ASP; along career, the majority of it overseas,as a dedicated teacher, school leader,and community service organizer. Forsupport, Mark will also be able to counton the new Director of Advancement – who has made tonight’s receptionpossible – Michael McNeill. Thank you, Michael.So, on behalf of the entire Embassy, represented by close to 60 studentsat the school this year, I would like to thank each and every one of you formaking ASP a world-class educational institution.I’ll conclude with President Obama, who said in his landmark Cairo speech:“All of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currencyof the 21st century.”This principle has guided ASP since its inception.Because where others see a world faced by difficult and complexchallenges, this school has always seen a world full of opportunities.That’s why you’ve made the education of our children your priority. Andthat’s why the Embassy will continue to be the partner of ASP as it adapts tothe challenges of 21st-Century education.Thank you all for coming et bonne soirée à tous. ”The Aspect - October 2010