Semper Ad Lucem- these words have been engrained in us since we first came to Knox. This Latin phrase, meaning "Always towards the light", is a quintessential part of our school and its purpose. The teachers, faculty, and students are what make our beautiful campus special and unique to this quote. These people have taught each other to truly move towards the light. For many years, Knox has helped bring out each individual’s inner light in many different ways. The school allows everyone’s inner light to shine brightly, whether it is in the science lab, English class, riding arena, or baseball field. This spark that is ignited, and grows into a strong flame is nobly carried with each person for years to come.

When we think of the word light, all good things come to mind. A soft candle light is romantic, a flashlight’s bright gleam keeps you safe in the dark, and we could never live or be happy without sunlight. Objects that are light are associated with happy times and feelings. The Dark Age is remembered as being gloomy and dank, but the Golden Age reminds us of an era filled with peace and enlightenment. Sometimes all we need is a short anecdote or a humorous joke to lighten our mood. For this school, the phrase Semper Ad Lucem is more than just a plain motto. These words are embroidered onto out blazers, and engraved into our class rings. On every Knox School logo, this phrase is shown, holding a deeper meaning than just an elegant few words. "Always towards the light" captures the Knox Core Values, which include scholarship, responsibility, respect, courage, kindness, and integrity. These values stress the importance of moving towards positive ideals and principles that are plentiful at our school. "Always towards the light" means constantly moving towards greater knowledge and wisdom as we grow older. Teachers at our school encourage us to expand our thoughts, and be engaged in our work, allowing students to learn not just in the classroom, but life lessons too. As one of the Core Values, scholarship is met when students move towards the light of knowledge. It’s more than what just what we learn in chemistry and calculus; it is also learning better and brighter principles of humility and community.

At Knox, our phrase is also applied to situations in which we learn to accept responsibility. Whether it involves academic or recreational work, Knox has taught us to move towards values of trust and self discipline to be responsible. Handing your homework in on time, or being the trustworthy coach of a sports team are examples of daily acts of responsibility. Since Semper Ad Lucem refers to always moving towards better philosophy and behaviors, it is closely associated with respect. It may inspire someone to be more sensitive to and more understanding of others, regardless of position, gender, or race. Even the most laconic comment made by an individual, telling others to speak kindly demonstrates their internal courage and strength to uphold the Core Values. Kindness is the willingness to help others. I’m sure that everyone has lent a friend lecture notes when he or she was sick and could not attend class, or made an essay easier to write by brain- storming ideas with that friend.

As knowledge, responsibility, and courage light our way, so does kindness. At Knox, people are empathic and altruistic towards one another. I remember when a senior girl, Sarah took time at lunch to talk to new freshmen, making them feel welcomed and appreciated. As students grow, so do their acts of kindness. At one all school meeting, we were reminded of the importance and significance of truth and honesty when a senior, Robbie completed a good deed. After finding money that had been dropped on the ground, he immediately took steps to find the rightful owner. This instance shows how our students strive to do what is right, and go towards sincere, ingenuous, and truthful principles.

I have attended this school for four years, and each year I notice and experience things that remind me of everyone’s inner light, and how they strive to fulfill and perceive our Core Values. When I first came to Knox as a young freshman, I felt lonely and out of place. However, by the end of my first week of high school, students and faculty reached out to me, making me feel as if I, too, fit into this loving "Knox family". It was then when I first discovered the meaning of Semper Ad Lucem, when all my teachers and peers showed me the importance of kindness, courage, respect, integrity, responsibility, and these Core Values. I remember how caringly Phil Scott comforted me when I was nervous the first day of school, how Kelvin and Mike patiently helped me understand Physics, and how Seung Gon calmly explained logarithms to me, AGAIN... and AGAIN in Algebra II. I will never forget the fun times I have had with my graduating class, and friends from all grades, or the people like Ms. Christensen and Ms. Alexanderson who taught me patience and listened to all of my troubles. Who knew that all of these memories from my years at Knox would illuminate my path, and stay with me on my journey out of high school and onto college? For every person at Knox, I’m sure that similar vivid (and sometimes random) memories are kept close to the heart, and will never be forgotten.

At Knox, everyone, somehow, in some way affects one another. In this case, the people that you meet here, and things you experience will always remind you of how you lived by the words Semper Ad Lucem throughout your years of Knox history. From whenever you start at Knox and on, this simple phrase will always lead you towards the light, wherever that may be.