To my brothers and sisters of the LCA community,

What makes LCA special in the lives of its community? When I first interviewed for this position, I found myself reflecting deeply on this very question. Since that time, I have come to realize the answer is not something I can explain just with words. It is something the Lord has put in front of me to witness day in and day out, in the hearts of our students and in the powerful connections we share.

• In varsity wrestling, we are celebrating the graduation of 14 seniors from the largest team in school history. On Senior Day, our senior wrestlers had the opportunity to reflect on their time here, but it was a moment from Manny that touched me. He said, “Playing sports at LCA showed me that it’s not all about the wins and losses, but about whether we gave it our all. You can do it. All you have to do is trust God, and you’ll see yourself in places you never expected to be.”
• I think about sixth-grader Eliab, who made his family come to a varsity basketball game to cheer on his senior buddy, Serge. And about sixth-grader Charlotte who dragged her dad’s guitar to school so that her new junior friend Jakari could play it. These two stories serve as tangible expressions of the culture we have worked so hard to nurture, where our youngest students feel seen and included; and where our juniors and seniors take pride in passing the lantern to their sister and brother Lions (cubs, really) by modeling friendship and Christian love.
• Then there’s Sarah, a senior who was so moved by a conversation with an alumna at our Alumni Career Showcase a few weeks ago, that she changed her intended major — a moment that will undoubtedly shape her future in ways she can’t yet fully understand. (To see over 20 LCA graduates return to share their wisdom and life experiences with our students was a beautiful reminder of the lifelong impact of this place.)

These are just a few glimpses of the profound connections that lie at the heart of LCA, a community rooted in faith, where we learn from one another, encourage one another, and walk through the triumphs and struggles together. The bonds we share here are a reflection of our shared commitment to building lives of purpose, service, and faith. 

In that spirit, and with those stories as a profound backdrop, I offer you a report of our activity last year and a look at our vision for the future of our community.

The Lasting Impact of an LCA Education

A great privilege of mine this year has been getting to know LCA alumnus Fred DiStefano ’06. Fred continues to dedicate much of his life and his heart to this school – co-leading our DECA entrepreneurship club [pictured], coaching lacrosse – and while building a career as COO of the software development firm Atlantis Technology and most importantly, raising his three children with his wife, Courtney. When I asked him to reflect on his time at LCA, his words were far more than just about the activities with which he is involved.

“What stands out most about my time at LCA is how much the faculty and staff invested in me — not just as a student, but as a person. They pushed me to work hard, think deeply, and build my life on a foundation of faith. At the time, I didn’t fully realize how much those lessons were shaping me, but now, as a parent myself, I’m so grateful for the sacrifices my own parents made to send me to LCA and for the relationships that shaped me.”

Fred’s words, filled with gratitude, remind us of the long-lasting power of an LCA education. As Fred shared his thoughts with me, I couldn’t help but think of our current students. They are part of a school community that hasn’t wavered in its purpose. Even though they have access to more opportunities than ever before, they continue to grow up in a place where faith formation and outstanding, modern academics go hand-in-hand. 

A 79th Year of Faithful Stewardship (and Counting)

In 2024, your hearts for this school – your school and your home – was manifested in an incredible $643,000 in giving in support of school operations and expansions. To God be the glory! Because of Him and because of you, we were able to:

• Expand Service-Learning Opportunities: This year, 25 student leaders are overseeing 12 “service pods”, each one partnering with local organizations, charities, schools, nursing homes, etc., living out their faith by becoming the hands and feet of Jesus in our community, offering compassion and their own personal gifts to enhance the lives of the members of those communities. Click here to read about some of the experiences.
• Invest in Faculty Enrichment: We’ve continued to prioritize our teachers, offering them training and resources that enrich both their teaching and their own professional journeys. One example this fall was when our English department attended the National Council of Teachers of English conference — an opportunity that inspired our teachers and connected them with educators across the nation who share a passion for cultivating analytical thinking and independent thought in young people.
• Prioritize Students in Our Budget: 84% of fiscal-year 2024 expenses went directly to benefitting our students — an increase of 3% over the previous year. This reinforces our unwavering commitment to operational efficiency and student-centered decision-making.
• Enhance Athletics: With a growing athletics program, we’ve made necessary investments, including upgrading to a state-of-the-art wrestling mat that is both functional and symbolic of our school’s pride.
• Propel Our Youngest Learners: New Chromebooks for our 6th and 7th graders help them achieve academic success while teaching them the importance of responsible digital citizenship.

The impact of these investments is felt deeply, not just in the facilities and resources, but in the hearts of those whose lives are touched by this generous community. Every gift, every dollar is critical in transforming the lives of LCA students and their families.

We Are Building for Generations

As we look ahead to the next chapter for LCA and its community, I am filled with hope and excitement. As you may recall, we are currently developing our Vision 2030 Strategic Plan, and with your continued support, some of the initiatives we hope to pursue to create a sustainable future for our school and our students include:

• Expanding course offerings to prepare our students for success in a changing and increasingly competitive college landscape;
• Enhancing athletics with an emphasis on access and opportunity, faith formation, mentorship, and competitiveness;
• Equipping students for success through deeper engagement with service, hands-on learning, and career exploration; and
• Building a master campus plan to support data-driven changes in teaching environments, enhance existing programs, and support new programs.

With your input, our current strategic planning process is giving us a clearer and more inspiring vision of the future, guided by God’s plan for our school. It is with great excitement and anticipation that I look forward to sharing the details of this vision as it unfolds, knowing that together, we are part of something far greater than we can fully see right now. Your investment in this vision is not just a gift; it is a legacy that will continue to bless generations to come. 

As we begin our journey to the end of my first school year, there is so much to look forward to: 

• The Sound of Music – Our highly anticipated spring musical, featuring over 50 students on and off stage, will take place on May 9 and 10. Mark your calendars—this beloved production is sure to draw a full house!
• Learning in Action: Senior Internships Return – This year, seniors will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships with LCA’s many partners or pursue opportunities within their own networks, equipping them with valuable real-world skills before graduation. 
• A Growing Future – Applications have surged 36% from last year, a clear testament to the increasing excitement and interest in becoming part of the LCA community.
• Building on Winter Sports Success – Our winter teams made history, winning The Drum at the annual Battle of Lexington and Concord. The girls’ varsity basketball team (pictured in their full Lions-pride gear) had the victory-sealing win. As we head into spring, we look forward to carrying that momentum into our softball, baseball, and lacrosse seasons, as well as the second year of our growing intramural track program.
• Honoring the Class of 2025 – We will celebrate our seniors’ achievements and send them off with a series of meaningful spring traditions, including Senior Tea, Class Day, a senior trip to Boston, and our Commencement ceremony on June 7.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a part of this incredible journey and for making it possible. I am grateful to each of you for making LCA the extraordinary place it is. Together, we are shaping lives, fostering faith, and preparing the next generation to live with purpose.

God bless you, 

John Khouri
Head of School