Returning to our Roots
As we emerge from the pandemic years, Headmaster Pete Sanders has framed the school’s theme with three R’s: Reclaim, Reaffirm, Reinvigorate. A major component of this theme is a focus on the MUS Community Creed. Ben Adams ’01 and Harrison Ford ’01 spearheaded the formulation of the creed in 2001 to codify the timeless principles that define the MUS experience. The tenets of the Community Creed are interwoven into every aspect of MUS life.
Here we feature chapel speakers who have highlighted principles of the creed: truth and honor, scholarship, service, respect, humility, involvement, and accountability.
Here we feature chapel speakers who have highlighted principles of the creed: truth and honor, scholarship, service, respect, humility, involvement, and accountability.
Mr. Paul Tudor Jones '72
Hedge fund manager, philanthropist, and conservationist Mr. Paul Tudor Jones ’72 spoke to students about the gift in life’s missteps. Drawing on failures he has encountered, Jones illustrated how lessons learned paved the way for subsequent success. Describing the power in mastering failure, he said. “Make it become your tool. You have to learn to change [failure] from shaming to shining.”
Mr. Ben Adams '74
Chairman Emeritus of Baker Donelson Ben Adams ’74 shared a lesson learned when he was passed over for National Honor Society induction his junior year. Afterward, faculty mentors encouraged him to exercise more positive influence with the student community. Applying that feedback to his life was transformative for Adams.
Mr. Mark Greaney
Bestselling author Mr. Mark Greaney, stepfather of seventh grader Kemmons Wilson, shared the importance of pursing dreams and developing resilience. His first book took 15 years to complete because he considered writing a hobby, not an “attainable goal.” His book was rejected by every agent. But their feedback led to the creation of The Gray Man – and a successful collaboration with legendary author, Mr. Tom Clancy. He credits his success to his love of writing and his resolve.
“I’ve had a lot of rejections and a lot of failures on the way to becoming successful,” he said. “I hope you guys can take something away from that. Every time you fall down, if you can dust yourself off, the finish line may be right over that hill. Resilience is one of the best muscles you can develop in life.”
“I’ve had a lot of rejections and a lot of failures on the way to becoming successful,” he said. “I hope you guys can take something away from that. Every time you fall down, if you can dust yourself off, the finish line may be right over that hill. Resilience is one of the best muscles you can develop in life.”
Mr. Scooter Taylor '11
Mr. Scooter Taylor ’11, co-founder of West Peek Productions, spoke to students in chapel about discovering their own paths in life. A serial entrepreneur, he listed four points that have helped him find success and persevere through difficulties.
- Find your pace – Identify the pace that allows you to achieve your goals. Every path is different, and finding success is a process.
- Find your lane – Finding your lane involves discovering “your passion and something that is authentic to you.”
- Embrace the hurdles – Embracing the challenges that come your way will make the journey easier. Learn from your failures.
- Avoid status games – Don’t get caught up in what those around you are doing, wearing, or earning.
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