#LasallianLife
How Do You Sweep the Floor?
November 18, 2022
When I was a child, my father would say to me, “You can learn a lot about a person by the way they sweep a floor.” He would then ask, “Do you want to be the one who just moves the dirt around and sweeps up the large pieces? Or, do you want to be the type of person that sweeps every last crevice - meticulously cleaning even the tight corners?” The answer seems obvious…but not easy.
In 17th century France, De La Salle was that scrupulous “sweeper.” He was thorough, tending to what appeared to be even the most minor details. Today at CBA, we encourage students to follow the way of De La Salle, to be scrupulous “sweepers” in all aspects of their lives. This requires intention, hard work, dedication, and care for one another. Such efforts by our students result in demonstrated excellence that is both measurable and immeasurable in its consequences.
Recently, eight CBA seniors were recognized as National Merit Commended students. Nationally, only 3.5% of students are recognized in this way. CBA’s rate is more than double! In addition, two CBA seniors were recognized as National Merit Semifinalists. Only 1% of students across the country are selected to receive this honor. CBA students consistently surpass this mark.
Less than 2% of high school student athletes compete at the Division 1 level. This past Wednesday, we recognized eight CBA seniors who announced their commitments to play Division 1 athletics - an amazing 7% of our graduating class!
Also on Wednesday, I had the pleasure of joining over 30 CBA alumni in NYC at the New York Athletic Club for our regional alumni event. Upon publicly thanking our co-sponsors, Mr. Bob Fitzsimmons ’80 and Mr. AJ Storinge ’86, it warmed my heart to see our young alumni discreetly looking over to whisper “thank you” or extending a handshake to Bob and AJ.
Academic success, athletic accomplishments, and Gospel values in action require consistent attention to detail. Merely “moving the dirt around and sweeping up the big pieces” will not yield excellence in any aspect of our lives. Yet, examples such as these occur each day among our students at CBA - students who develop their own unique gifts and talents by diligently “sweeping into each corner.”
May we continue to approach all of our endeavors with faith and zeal – recognizing, developing, and sharing the presence of God within each of us. Being Lasallian means that we commit ourselves to the vigilance of mind, body, and soul that yields “scrupulous sweepers”- and a very clean floor!
Mr. Matthew Keough
President, Christian Brothers Academy
