Message from ACS President Sargent Beasley to the Community

Dear Parents and Students,

We celebrated Liberation Day in the sunshine. The voices of our Vocapella singing “Mila Rodino” were heard across campus. The significance of this day presented by our student speakers as orators, poets, and historians guided by our Bulgarian Language and Literature and Liberal and Fine Arts Department conjured the sentiment deserving of this commemoration. The talents of our folk dancers who concluded our event with a communal Horo brought a sense of joy to a shared identity. 

In my first year, I acknowledged a quote inscribed on a hall walked by many each and every day and shared today: “Every nation, and every person must be given the right to live with dignity and freedom.”  This quote was delivered over a century and a half ago by a man who committed his life to seeking liberty and freedom for his people, Vasil Levski. His words, however, are not just an echo from the past. His words call attention to our present- a present in urgent need of our collective attention to insist that dignity and freedom are rights for all- dignity and freedom not only defined by national boundaries but dignity and freedom defined by personhood. If we do not find the courage and are not persistent, our future is already set. 

As students and educators, we are entrusted with this legacy. As we engage in this world, in these times, let us not forget that the future of Bulgaria is decided today. And just as it was so in the past, courageous hearts will prevail if we remember and if we act.

On behalf of this exceptional community, I wish you, Chestit Treti Mart! Happy Liberation Day! And may we possess the courage and demonstrate persistence for the liberty and dignity of others and for the liberty and dignity of self.

Emily Sargent Beasley

President