Ensights Magazine

Bruce Libonn

Retiring Faculty Tribute: Bruce Libonn

Dr. Sarah Buchanan
How can I best share the impact Bruce has had on Ensworth? The Lower School has grown with more students and more teachers under his care. The curriculum has been enriched by the adoption of Singapore math, the addition of the Teaching Fellows program, the Language and Math faculty leaders in Lower School, the fifth-grade end-of-year celebration assembly, and the commitment Bruce has always had to his students and to the Lower School faculty.
Throughout this school year, I have had conversations with a number of current and former Lower School parents who have shared their thoughts about Bruce’s years as the Lower School Head. One family shared with me that the oldest of their two sons remembers with great fondness that whenever he saw Mr. Libonn anywhere in school on campus, he would hear his name. Mr. Libonn always acknowledged him and it made him feel special. Likewise, it became tradition for the two boys in this family to shake hands with Bruce at the end of every school year and say thank you. Their oldest son said that he looked forward to this every year because, “I knew when I looked in Mr. Libonn’s eyes that he had loved us for the whole year.”
 
Last summer their third-grade son, anxious and chatty over the class and teacher placement, stated to his parents that HE knew how Mr. Libonn made these big, big decisions. Of course, the parents asked how. He said with complete certainty that Mr. Libonn goes to the beach with flip flops and his Hawaiian shirt and a big drink that looks like a slushee. He sits in his chair, spreads all the names of the kids in the sand and then takes out teacher names and “works his magic.” Then, he watches the sunset when it is over. There was no hesitation in his voice as he told his parents. The visual was priceless, and still is. So was the explanation by a nine-year-old.
 
Bruce: your unflagging support for what is right, your focus on the things that are most important, your faith in all of us, and your care for your students and faculty have always remained strong. Thank you for that.
 
Finally, I want to share a poem from a book of poetry that might be familiar to some of you. I share this as a way of saying thanks as it explains so well why I have appreciated the chance to work with you, Bruce.
 
The Contract: A word from the led
 
And in the end we follow them –
not because we are paid,
not because we might see some advantage
not because of the things they have accomplished,
not even because of the dreams they dream
but simply because of who they are:
the man, the woman, the leader, the boss
standing up there when the wave hits the rock,
passing out faith and confidence like life jackets,
knowing the currents, holding the doubts,
imagining the delights and terrors of every landfall:
captain, pirate, and parent by turns,
the bearer of our countless hopes and expectations.
We give them our trust. We give them our effort.
What we ask in return is that they stay true.
 
by William Ayot
 
I hope you look forward to the years ahead with joyous anticipation, with hope, and with appreciation for your years spent with students and teachers. I feel fortunate to have you as a friend and colleague. We will all miss seeing you at school each day.
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Red Gables Campus (K–8)

Nashville, TN 37205
(615) 383-0661

Frist Campus (9–12)

Nashville, TN 37221
(615) 301-5400
Ensworth is a coeducational, kindergarten through twelfth grade, independent day school.