January 2026 - Spencer Shively, VP for Mission and Student Life

Dear De La Salle Families,

Happy New Year, and welcome back to the second semester of the school year! Earlier today, our faculty and staff gathered for a professional day that allowed us to reconnect, finalize preparations for the semester ahead, and ensure we are ready to welcome our Spartans back to campus. The return of our young men is something we always look forward to, as they bring life back to the halls of 1130 Winton Drive.

While much of today’s programming rightly focused on what we do as a school, it also gave us the opportunity to reflect on the all-important question of why we do what we do. Our opening prayer centered on “Living Our Legacy,” reminding us that while legacy is often measured by events, accomplishments, and traditions, its true foundation is rooted in our purpose. Our legacy flows more from our why than from any single achievement. The many wonderful moments we celebrate as a school are possible because we are anchored by our core principles as a Lasallian Catholic community, grounded in faith, respect, and inclusion. This is what makes De La Salle special and what enables us to achieve such great success, while also continuing to improve as an institution. 

While many of us enjoyed a restful break, several co-curricular programs remained in full swing. Our winter sports teams have not missed a beat, with basketball, soccer, and wrestling all enjoying strong seasons. Campus Ministry has also been busy preparing for upcoming retreats and our Junior FSC immersions in partnership with Monument Crisis Center. As you read this, Kairos 159 is taking place, with Kairos 160 right on its heels next weekend. We invite you to join us in prayer for our seniors on retreat as they reflect and grow in their relationships with themselves, others, and God. 

Speaking of our seniors, as they make their final return from Christmas break as Spartans, there is so much to look forward to in their last semester on campus. We anticipate a strong finish as we celebrate them through upcoming senior activities and, ultimately, graduation in May. Senior parents are invited to join us for our Senior Parent Meeting on Wednesday, January 21, at 6:30 pm in the Theatre, where we will review these events and share important updates.

The rest of January offers many community events to anticipate. Next Friday, we will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a prayer service during House Time. On MLK Day, our basketball program will host the 28th Annual MLK Classic, featuring a great lineup of games. Later that week, our Theater Arts Company will bring Melancholy to the stage. Our sold-out Crab Feed promises to be another wonderful community celebration, and the month will conclude with Catholic Schools Week. Highlights include our Course Registration Fair for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors; the third annual Winton Games—an exciting and friendly competition with Carondelet; and our annual Ski Club trip to Palisades Tahoe. What an exciting month it promises to be.

Off we go into another great semester. As always, thank you for your partnership in forming young men of faith, integrity, and scholarship.

Live Jesus in our hearts,

Spencer Shively
Vice President for Mission and Student Life