The St. James School community celebrated a decade of faithful partnership with our more than 160 church partners during a March 16 virtual event highlighted by a visit with The Most Rev. Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.

It was the biggest event in St. James history, with 415 participants representing 50 churches and friends from across the country: Maryland, Virginia, Florida, California, Arizona, Colorado, New Hampshire, Texas, and more! The outpouring of love and support was overwhelming. All evening, affirmations posted in the chat filled our hearts: “I’m proud and honored to be here” … “We love you” … “So good to celebrate St. James School.”

Posters made by church partners commemorating various aspects of their St. James partnership were shown. Three longtime partners shared stories on their impactful partnership in short video segments.

DeSean, a 5th grader, was hailed as a “rock star” in the chat for his engaging introduction of the Bishop. Watch the video below to see his introduction. DeSean shared Top 10 Fun Facts about him, in which we learned he has two daughters and seven grandchildren, once served as rector at a Baltimore church called St. James, and favors butter pecan ice cream. (DeSean added that his favorite is vanilla with sprinkles.) DeSean ended his introduction with, “Please welcome the legend himself, Bishop Michael Curry.” The Bishop quipped, “I think DeSean is the legend here!”

In his inspiring remarks, Bishop Curry lauded the impact our church partners made, and continue to make, helping St. James School fulfill its mission one dream and one student at a time. “That’s the way the world ever changes,” he said. “Changing the world with one student at a time, one DeSean at a time … because one day, those children will save us.”

Four students — DeSean, 7th graders Randy and London, and 6th grader Brynn — engaged in a Q&A with the Bishop, who appeared to enjoy learning fun facts they shared about our school. Asked if he had any advice for his younger self, the Bishop said, “Don’t forget to dream!” then recited the poem “Dreams” by Langston Hughes.

Bishop Daniel Gutiérrez closed the event in prayer: “As the sun sets on this joyous night, we ask for your blessing on all your beloved children. Blessings for all the partners of St. James who supported this ministry the past 10 years and their continued support for the next 100 years.” Amen!