Salvete, Omnes!
As I prepared to pen my final President’s message, I was certain I would find that perfect
valedictory tone, that sage message the moment seems to demand. The more I looked back for
inspiration upon my four years as CAV Vice President and President, as well as upon 30+ years
of teaching, I had a realization that rendered the search moot. I think, maybe, that it is not really
the seemingly momentous inflection points in our lives that should demand special attention –
the graduations, retirements, birthdays, and the like. It is, rather, the day to day, week to week,
year to year continuum of doing the work we do, living the life we live on a regular basis that
gets us from one red-letter day to the next. I will certainly consider it a special day when I hand
over the gavel to Bart Natoli and assume the role of Immediate Past President. But it has been
the time and effort I have given over the years, the conversations and collaborations with
colleagues from around the state, and the chance to give back in a tangible way to my students
and profession that are really the special moments. I have been fortunate to be given the chance
to serve the CAV in this role. I have been fortunate to have great mentors and great colleagues in
the tasks. I have been fortunate to meet so many talented and energetic younger teachers. I
appreciate all the help so many of you have given me as I muddled through. And I appreciate the
efforts you all give on that daily, week in, week out, year to year basis. I know your students and
colleagues value it.

Maximas gratias vobis ago!

I will end this message with a reprisal from an earlier iteration, as I exhort you to attend
our Spring Meeting and maintain active participation in our organization. Come for the
presentations. Come for the announcements of contest and award winners. Come, most of all,
for the camaraderie of your colleagues and friends, old and new. In an age where education in
general, and humanities and languages in particular, are under attack, it is more important than
ever to maintain and strengthen our bonds as educators. Let’s make the “Introduction of New
Members, First-Timers, and Guests” portion of the Business Meeting the lengthiest part!
In that spirit, I encourage you all also to mark your calendars for the Spring Meeting, on
May 2nd in Williamsburg, hosted by The College of William & Mary.
Spero me vos omnes illic visurum esse!

Patrick Bradley
Rockbridge County High School
Lexington, VA