In 1982, when we inaugurated a new Upper School magazine of literature and the arts, our goal (as it had been with an earlier school publication, Mayic, which came out in the late 1970s) was to provide a forum for the creative spirit and talent of Brentwood students. Forty years later, amaranth still reflects our desire to celebrate those gifts.

Our 6th graders were transfixed by the sight of a rusted scrap of fuselage as it was struck with a wooden mallet by a headmaster, calling his pupils to learn. The soothing echo emitted from the jerry-rigged “school bell” was a welcome replacement to the terrifying sound of bombs exploding that had been blaring out of the MS theater speakers just moments earlier. Our guest presenter, Ken Carlson (parent to Ruby Rose ’23, Xander ’16, and Mackenzie ’14), pointed out to our students that the makeshift bell made from the remnants of a crashed fighter jet was an apt symbol of the resilience and courage of the Nuban people in Sudan who continually chose hope over despair despite enduring years of ongoing bombing by the internationally-condemned government of Omar Al-Bashir.

Candy, assorted chocolates, flowers, heart-shaped notes—what’s not to like about Valentine’s Day? Except for maybe the hard-to-get dinner reservations. This sweet celebration, which happens every year on February 14, is all about spreading the love. And what a perfect holiday to let our neighbor Veterans at the West Los Angeles VA Campus know we care and are thinking of them! This year, Lower School students, 6th graders, the Middle School Service Leadership Team, and the Upper School VA Student Support Group created handmade Valentine cards, art, and gift bags for Veterans.