Letter from the Principal - October 2018

October 10, 2018

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students of CDH,

This is not the letter I planned to write this week. It is with heavy hearts that tomorrow we will say goodbye to one of our sophomores, Owen Loftus. Owen died last Friday from complications of leukemia. The entire CDH community grieves his loss, but none of us know the sorrow that his parents, Susan and Dan Loftus, are experiencing. Our prayers and sympathy are with them.

In the midst of this grief, God walks alongside us. God’s presence is manifested in our faculty and staff members as they work with students, and with one another, to help cope with their grief. God’s presence is with our students as they seek to care and comfort one another. God’s presence is with our Band, Swim team, and Ultimate Frisbee team as they say goodbye to one of their own. God’s presence is also with our parents/guardians as you comfort and support your sons and daughters.

God’s presence filled our hearts and souls at the prayer service we held for Owen on Monday. Our students were beautiful and respectful as they prayed and mourned with the Loftus family. God’s presence will also be with all of us at the funeral tomorrow, and in the days, weeks, and years of grief to come.

Our school community is heartbroken. Yet, in our sadness and grief—and because of Owen and his tremendous courage—we have gained an even greater understanding of the manifestation of God in our lives, the preciousness of life, and how important the values of community and faith really are. I am so proud and grateful to be a member of this community. 

I ask that you continue to keep the Loftus family in your prayers. May God grant them comfort, strength, and peace.

Sincerely,

Mona Passman

Please read about the school's plans for October 11.