40 Years and Counting
Posted: November 7, 2023 | Author: Shirley Swinbank
Reaching the remarkable milestone of Yorkshire Academy’s 40th Championship Season fills us with an overwhelming sense of thrill and gratitude. It’s truly awe‐inspiring to ponder the depth of this journey. Forty years encompassing countless first days of school, replete with the spectrum of emotions from eager smiles to poignant tears. Forty years of witnessing the magic when young minds decode their first words, of marveling at the confidence and readiness exhibited by our graduates as they venture beyond Yorkshire’s nurturing embrace. Forty years of treasured memories, enduring relationships, and boundless joy.
The realm of education is unlike any other, a vocation laden with responsibility that becomes profoundly rewarding. To contemplate the trust parents place in us, entrusting their most precious treasures, is a solemn duty we bear with the utmost gravity and one we hold dear. It feels like it was just yesterday when my dream of owning a school came to life through Yorkshire Academy. In May of 1984, we embarked on our journey in West Houston, initially as a preschool with a mere 80 students, steadily evolving into a hub for an engaging and challenging educational experience, welcoming children from 18 months to fifth grade, with an enrollment of nearly 250 students. Over the years, we’ve welcomed thousands of students through our doors, each on their unique educational voyage, spending anywhere from one year to an entire decade with us. Our student body hails from the neighborhood just around the corner to countries spanning the globe.
Yorkshire Academy’s mission has always extended beyond the boundaries of academic subjects. We’ve meticulously crafted a curriculum enriched with the expertise of dedicated and talented educators, fusing rigorous core classes with diverse, enriching experiences. Our accurate measure of success isn’t confined to standardized test scores or report cards but lies in the daily connection we share with our students.
Apart from our ongoing interaction with our current students, we’re blessed with the frequent return of alums who grace us with their presence. Even when our alum families, scattered across the world, visit Houston, Yorkshire Academy remains a destination on their visits. We take immense pleasure in the fact that many alum students choose to be part of our special events, such as Social Studies Night and our annual musicals. Yet, the most heartwarming moments are the unexpected visit from a former student, now behind the wheel, who decides to stop by and say hello. The fact that they feel so at home just popping in for a quick visit fills our hearts with warmth. Each alum student shares anecdotes about their favorite Yorkshire teacher, the musical that captured their heart, or the Yorkshire classmates they still hold dear.
The celebration of our 40th Championship Season will span the entire year, with the highlight being an anniversary party on Saturday, March 23rd, to which all current and former Yorkshire students and teachers are cordially invited. Mark your calendars now, and spread the word to your Yorkshire friends. A ’Save the Date’ notice will be on its way soon.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our Yorkshire friends, both within our school and the wider community, for your unwavering support throughout these four decades. Your presence has shaped the story of Yorkshire Academy and filled it with immeasurable meaning and enduring strength. For this, we are sincerely thankful.