On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted. While I was only 7 years old at the time, I remember the scope of the eruption and the utter devastation. All told, this was the deadliest eruption in United States’ history, and hundreds of square miles were turned into barren wastelands. Interestingly, that same area is now well known for its amazing wildflower blooms. Over the years, nature found a way to come back and to reclaim land that looked as if it would always be gray, ashen, and hopeless.

I think about this often when considering challenges and setbacks. I believe that the Mount St. Helens eruption and the wildflower blooms serve as a metaphor for many of life’s challenges. Immediately following the eruption, few, if any, were celebrating the possibility that new growth could emerge from destruction. Unexpectedly, the first wildflowers started to return, and they were brilliant. Soon the entire area around Mount. St. Helens was teeming with life and vitality. Indicating, metaphorically that even after the most horrendous of events - beauty, growth, and life will emerge in time.

Like schools all over the country, BHS is emerging from the pandemic. Its onset was almost as sudden as a volcanic eruption and its impact was perhaps even more devastating. Time is passing, however, and the wildflowers are beginning to bloom. At BHS, our Parents’ Association is returning with renewed vigor. Teachers are implementing tools and technologies that were not used prior to the pandemic and students are more eager than ever to experience learning in the classroom, around campus, in the woods, and on field trips.

The pandemic tested us, and at times it seemed pretty bleak. But now, if we survey the landscape, the bloom of new growth surrounds us, which is exciting.