Address by Charlie Scholl '21, Hearthstone Yearbook Senior Editor

Every year the Hearthstone Yearbook chooses a member of the faculty, administration or staff to receive the honor of the yearbook dedication. The dedication recipient is always someone who has had a great influence on the lives of our students or the school as a whole. 

This year’s recipient arrived at Prep during a time of great change, transition and uncertainty. It became very clear right away to all who met him that this person was going to have a profound and lasting impact on Prep. He has shown the entire community by his example what it means to be a Man for Others through his endless generosity to everyone he encounters each day.

In true Jesuit fashion, this man’s boundless energy, passionate and authentic addresses to the student body, as well as the adults, has left a memorable mark on them and the long history of Fairfield Prep. I am happy to announce that this year’s Hearthstone yearbook dedication recipient is Principal Dr. Thomas de Quesada. Congratulations Dr. de Quesada from the entire Prep Community!

Hearthstone Yearbook Dedication 2021 — Dr. Tommy de Quesada

Written by Academic Dean Timothy G. Dee

When visiting the office of Dr. Tommy de Quesada, one can’t help but notice the Miami Dolphins autographed jerseys, the inspirational quotes from the Jesuit educated Vince Lombardi, and the pictures of our home, Fairfield Prep. In the corner of the room is a simple phrase that has defined not only Dr. dQ’s time at Prep, but his time in Jesuit education – “Run to the fire.” 

In his very first address to the Prep faculty, Dr. dQ spoke these words which have come to define him and his time as the Principal of Fairfield Prep. Dr. dQ has run to the fire for Prep students – he has dedicated his time, talents and energy to providing support and creating experiences for students to develop their talents and go forth and set the world on fire. Dr. dQ has run to the fire for his colleagues – his door was always open and his phone only a call away as he worked tirelessly to do whatever possible to support the efforts of his colleagues. Dr. dQ has run to the fire for his family – providing a model for all as the type of man, father, husband and son we should all aspire to become.

Dr. de Quesada has been everywhere during his three years with us. Each day, he walked the halls, greeting students with a warm welcome and a gentle reminder to tuck their shirts in. With great energy he taught Global Studies, sharing stories which infuse his love of travel and exploration in bringing content alive. He loved prowling the sidelines, sitting in stands and in bleachers across the state and region to cheer on Prep’s student athletes. He was present in auditoriums and concert halls proudly watching his students perform. He traveled to Jamaica in solidarity with Prep students and in service to the orphans at Blessed Assurance. During our lockdown last spring, he walked our halls each day, keeping our school safe while we were away. He has selflessly given every ounce of himself to Fairfield Prep every single day.

Dr. dQ’s time at Prep has been all too brief. However, in just three short years, his inspiration, motivation and dedicated instinct to run to the fire leaves an impact that will last generations. You will be missed Dr. dQ, but know this – Fairfield Prep is in a better place because of you. You have taught us all valuable lessons, and as you return to Miami, please know that the lifetime of memories and lessons you leave behind will inspire us as we live out the Jesuit mission “running to the fire.”