Since St. Patrick’s Day is Sunday, we are celebrating early on Thursday and Friday. As you walk the halls of our school, you will see every shade of green that you can imagine. Yes, it is a fun day for both students and staff! Wendy Sadlier, our head “chef” will be offering Reuben sandwiches in the cafeteria, and we will have our annual parade with Julie Moore playing Irish fiddle, leading students as they dance through our halls. However, it’s also a day rooted in a tradition that is the basis for our mission. Why is that? Well, it all started with the shamrock…

We all know that the shamrock is the familiar emblem of Irish culture. Often I have been asked, “Do you have a shamrock for your emblem because the Barber Family is Irish?” While we do come from an Irish heritage, the shamrock truly has a meaning that extends beyond just our lineage. I recall sitting with Dr Barber as she explained her concept of the shamrock to artist Frank Fecko.

The Barber National Institute Shamrock

Each of the three leaves has significance: Faith, inspired Hope, and enduring Love. And the stem? It is our community of supporters, our children and adults, families, staff, and friends. With this in mind, Frank, designed our shamrock, an emblem we have used every day since!

Today, the shamrock endures as our promise to future generations that the BNI will continue our commitment to serving children and adults with disabilities and their families. It’s comforting to think that we will continue to see this “lucky” green symbol for decades to come!