St. Dominic School in Kingsport on the morning of April 10 welcomed members of the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce for a breakfast that offered a glimpse into the daily life and mission of the school.
Dave Austin (left) of the Aldo J. Zazzi Council of the Knights of Columbus at St. Dominic Parish prepares breakfast as chef Howard Bastedo and Father Michael Cummins look on.
Guests were greeted by Kings-port mayor Paul Montgomery, and St. Dominic pastor Father Michael Cummins led an opening prayer before the school’s daily Morning Circle began.
As students gathered—preschool through fifth grade—they led the community in prayer, intention, and song. Fifth-grade students then led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a performance of “His Banner over Me Is Love.”
The program continued with a series of speakers who connected the life of the school to the broader community. Former principal Tucker Davis delivered the keynote address, titled “Growing Together: Education, Community, and the Future of Kingsport.” A parent perspective was offered by Kelsie Dulaney, with additional reflections from Maura Tillotson.
St. Dominic principal Bonnie Saleh and director of development and admissions Beth Barnette offered a brief overview of the school’s approach to forming the whole child and invited those in attendance to consider how they might support and engage with the mission of St. Dominic.
Breakfast was prepared and served by St. Dominic’s Aldo J. Zazzi Council of the Knights of Columbus. Guests at each table left the program with a packet of seeds labeled “Plant Seeds of Hope in Kingsport.”