On September 18, 2023, we had the privilege of hosting Academy alumnus, John Amini ’05, for Alumni Monday. As an Academy “Lifer” (attending all 10 years from Pre-Kindergarten through 8^th grade), John’s experiences and insights resonated deeply with our community.

During his engaging presentation, John reflected on his time at SAA and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. His words re-emphasized our school's motto, "Be honest. Be kind. Be the best you can be."

As an Academy Boy, he proudly served as B Company Commander, excelled in basketball and lacrosse, and even found his voice in the debate team and choir. His well-rounded pursuits epitomize the Academy's vision of educating boys for life and preparing each young man to fulfill his noble purpose.

While he stressed the importance of brotherhood, integrity and character – values that are deeply ingrained in our school's culture – one of the central themes of John’s presentation was the development of leadership. His time at SAA taught him that being a great leader means being proud to be a part of something larger than oneself.

John Amini's experiences in both sports and leadership roles at SAA reinforced the idea of selflessness and teamwork. He shared the inspiring example of his basketball team, where success was achieved by prioritizing the team's goals over individual achievements. It was a testament to the power of unity and collaboration.

In a poignant conclusion to his talk, he had a brave volunteer shout, "I am an Academy Boy" for all to hear before having the entire student body do the same in unison. This moment illustrated the strength that comes from being a part of a larger community, where the collective voice is louder and more powerful than any individual.

John’s commitment to The Academy extends beyond his years as a student. He is a proud member of the SAA Alumni Association Board of Directors, demonstrating his dedication to giving back to the Academy brotherhood.

He left our students with a powerful message: "Be proud that you are part of something that is bigger than yourself." His words serve as a reminder that San Antonio Academy is not just a school; it's a family, a community, and a place where boys become leaders with character.

About Alumni Mondays: Each Monday, we welcome an Academy alumnus to speak to SAA boys during Chapel. During this presentation, our alumni speakers share meaningful stories and lessons from their days at SAA. View Alumni Monday Showcase

TO SEE JOHN AMINI'S FULL ALUMNI MONDAY PRESENTATION, VIEW THE FOLLOWING RECORDING: