Episode 3: A Holiday Message from Semmes Foundation Head of School Paul Quick

As we enter the holiday season, we invite you to listen to a special episode of the Bond of Brothers podcast featuring a brief holiday message from Head of School Paul Quick. 

On behalf of The Academy, we wish you a Merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah, and a joyful holiday season. May the coming year bring continued blessings to your family and to our broader community.

About The Bond of Brothers® Podcast: Hosted by Semmes Foundation Head of School Paul M. Quick, this podcast gives listeners a closer look at the values, traditions, and everyday moments that define The Academy Experience.

Whether you're a current parent, a proud alumnus, or simply someone who enjoys hearing what makes our school special, tune in to hear important updates, leadership insights, and thoughtful conversations with guests on how The Academy creates an exceptional education intentionally crafted for boys. 

Find Bond of Brothers on your favorite podcast platform and start listening today!

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Transcript

Academy Student 0:02

Welcome to San Antonio Academy's Bond of Brothers podcast with Mr. Quick.

Paul M. Quick 0:15

Welcome back to this episode of the Bond of Brothers podcast. This is Paul Quick, your head of school and podcast host. I am grateful that you have joined us today and hope you will appreciate this brief holiday message. Regardless of one's faith tradition, at this time of year, it is worthwhile to reflect on the Christmas story. Its origin comes from the book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. In that story, the coming of the Messiah is foretold, and it says this for to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Think of what this story inspires. We are promised a wonderful counselor, someone to guide us and offer us answers when we face the many challenges life presents. We are assured that God is mighty and his strength and power will guard us and protect us. We're offered a father figure who is steadfast in his love and devotion to us. And finally, we're introduced to the Prince of Peace. He is the one to remind us to be still and know that he is God and we are not. In that promise, we're reminded of the irony that peace is within our grasp if we just let go and trust in his mercy, his forgiveness, his love. In addition to those names, the Christmas story also reminds us of another name. And that name is Emmanuel, which means God with us. Think about that name and the reassurance that it promises. The Christmas story assures us that God is with us. Not that he was with us or will be with us, but that he is with us in our present, and that he is our present, our gift, who has come to save each of us and to save the world. Again, regardless of your faith tradition, the Christmas story is worth our attention as it is a story of hope, peace, joy, and love. So as you gather together with your friends and family this holiday season, whether you follow the Christian tradition or not, reflect on the Christmas story and appreciate that message, the message of the season that offers the gifts of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. These gifts bless you whether you are giving them or you are receiving them. My prayer for one and all this holiday season is that we will be blessed with the gifts of grace, mercy, and forgiveness, encouraging us all to have the hope, the peace, the joy, the love that is the essence of Emmanuel, God with us. May you have a Merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah, and a wonderful holiday season, and may 2026 be a year full of immeasurable blessings for our Academy community, the city of San Antonio, the state of Texas, our nation, and the world. And until we mate again, may God bless you and keep you, may he make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, and may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. And may that peace surpass all understanding. Godspeed until we have a chance to meet again in 2026.

Academy Student 4:31

Thank you for listening to the Bond of Brothers podcast. Be sure to give us a like and follow on your favorite podcast player. And don't forget to be honest, be kind, and be the best you can be.