There is only one solitary academic blemish on Matthew Garrett’s entire academic journey from Waldorf, to university undergraduate work in England, to the PhD he just received.   In his very first high school class, The History of Drama, Matthew got an A-.  His work was outstanding in the course – he quickly mastered the essay form, demonstrated all organizational and note taking skills that were taught, and aced all the tests. So why the A-?  Well, in that first month of work, Matthew, a bright eyed British kid still relatively new to the States, never put his hand up in class.  I privately encouraged him to do so, but his reluctance prevailed.  And, so In my narrative accompanying his final grade, I encouraged him to tape into the bravery I saw within him. He was clearly so smart and so interested.  I knew he could do it. Matthew took my encouragement seriously: he came to my office the next day and told me to watch for his hand in class. Fast forward a year: Matthew played the lead role in our class production of Othello; a year after that he led off our inaugural science fair; and then in his senior year he set the incredibly high bars that students continue to strive for both in his senior project presentation and in his graduation speech. I still remember that speech.  He thanked his parents so earnestly.  He made some really funny jokes.  He told us all that he was going to earn a PhD in ocean science.  And he thanked me for giving him that A-.