The Right Reverend Peter Eaton, Bishop of 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 Lillian Issa as the eighth head of school on Sunday, Oct.16.
A special church service was conducted 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” Issa said. “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.”
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 to 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,” Issa said
“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 Issa along with her family, clergy, and special guests. A catered luncheon took place on the campus following the service.
For more information on St. Thomas, call 305-665-4851 or visit www.stepsmia.org.
