Last month, I traveled to San Antonio to support several different programs from our campus.
Thursday and Friday were spent at the State Swim/Dive Meet, and Saturday was spent at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, where our All-State musicians performed.
On paper, it was a simple trip.
In reality, it said something I didn’t even realize.
The Comment That Stuck
While sitting next to our head choir director during a performance, she leaned over and said, “In 20 years of doing this, I’ve never had a principal come down here to support our students.”
I tried to deflect the praise. After all, I did not coach the swimmers or rehearse with the musicians. I simply showed up.
But her reaction clarified something important.
What often feels small to a leader can feel significant to the people being led.
Throughout the trip, several directors from other schools expressed genuine surprise that I was there. Not polite gratitude. Surprise.
That surprised ME.
Leadership Is Often About Presence
The decision felt straightforward.
I had the opportunity to support multiple programs in one trip. It seemed pretty straightforward to me.
I chose this instead of attending the state wrestling tournament this year. Wrestling is close to my heart, and I love the sport. But leadership requires intentional choices.
In many schools, the arts can feel undervalued, and I never want our fine arts programs to feel that way.
Next year, the decision may look different, and that is fine. The goal is not optics. The goal is alignment.
Presence Communicates Value
We can say we value every program.
We can say athletics and fine arts matter equally.
But our calendars tell the truth.
When leaders consistently show up in one arena and rarely in another, it sends a message. It may not be the message they intend, but it is a message nonetheless.
The swimmers saw me in the stands. The musicians saw me in the audience. The coaches and directors felt supported. Not because I delivered a speech. Simply because I was there.
A Question for Leaders
Where are you showing up? And where are you not?
Leadership is often framed around big decisions: budgets, staffing, strategic plans, etc…
But culture is shaped just as much by small decisions.
Which event do you attend?
Whose moment do you honor?
Those decisions accumulate.
If it matters to our students and staff, it matters to us.
Sometimes the most powerful thing a leader can do is show up.
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