The Right Reverend Peter Eaton, Bishop Diocese of Southeast Florida, along with more than 500 members of the St. Thomas Episcopal Parish Church and School community, participated in the formal installation of Mrs. Lillian Issa as the 8th Head of School on Sunday, October 16. A special church service was held to honor the occasion, and included presentations by all constituencies, including the Vestry, Board of Trustees, administration, alumni, faculty/staff, and students. Father Mario Milían, rector of St. Thomas, introduced Mrs. Issa and provided her the opportunity to share her vision and aspirations for the families and students of St. Thomas.
“Installations are ancient rituals that honor school leadership. The good thing is that leadership is not about one person” said Mrs. Issa. “It is about the team — school, church, and home along with rector, head of school, Vestry, Board, educators, and parents all working together towards a common goal.”
Mrs. Issa also praised those who came before her, specifically Thomas N. Southard, last year’s Interim Head of School, and Kris Charlton, who served as Head of School from 2002-2015. “It is the work and dedication of these individuals who made St. Thomas what it is today, and I will do my best to continue the tradition of excellence that has been established.”
“St. Thomas is so blessed to have Lillian as our Head of School,” said Alejandro Dueñas, School Board Chair. “In her short time here, she has demonstrated an exceptional understanding of what it means to be an effective and compassionate leader of a faith-based school. Her formal installation marks an exciting milestone in St. Thomas’s history.”
The ceremony concluded with the hymnal, “Lift High the Cross,” and recessional of Mrs. Issa along with her family, clergy, and special guests. A beautiful catered luncheon took place on the campus following the service.
About St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School:
Located in Coral Gables, Florida, St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School (STEPS) was founded in 1963. Now in its 63rd year, St. Thomas has grown to include grades junior preschool through 5th grade and has 425 students. It is a secure and loving community that nurtures and challenges children and teaches them to honor God, respect others and themselves, care for their world, and develop a lasting enthusiasm for discovering and learning. St. Thomas utilizes the STEAM method of teaching, integrating the key areas of learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). For more information on St. Thomas, please call 305-665-4851 or visit www.stepsmia.org.
