With Pirate Pride

Pizza. Full stop. I love pizza. And in 2025, I ate quite a bit of it. As we head into early 2026, I’ll probably eat a little less, but my love for pizza hasn’t gone anywhere.

For Father’s Day this year, my family gave me a gift that turned out to be far more meaningful than they likely realized: a book on making homemade pizza. Pizza has always been one of my passions. I’ve enjoyed eating it for as long as I can remember, and now, I genuinely enjoy making it.

I start from scratch. Homemade dough, homemade sauce, and I personalize each pizza for the people who will be eating it. I’ve experimented with different styles along the way: Detroit-style, thin crust, and a few variations in between. Most of them turn out pretty well. And, like anything worthwhile, they’ve gotten better over time. I really enjoy the process.

But enjoying pizza isn’t really about the pizza.

I enjoy making it because pizza brings people together. I’ve never been in a place where pizza was present and it didn’t spark conversation about favorite toppings, preferred styles, or memories attached to a slice shared with others. Pizza has a way of lowering barriers, opening dialogue, and creating connection.

For me, that Father’s Day gift did more than introduce a new hobby. It gave me another way to live out what I see as part of my purpose: bringing people together. Whether in my family life or in my professional life, it is something that gives me tremendous joy. 

I find a deep sense of fulfillment in building community and creating spaces where people feel connected to something bigger than themselves. That’s one of the reasons I love the work I get to do every day in Rocky River City Schools. Across roles and communities—coaching teams, working alongside teachers, partnering with parents, or supporting community initiatives—the common thread has always been people wanting to come together with a shared purpose.

Each year, I choose one word that helps focus my intentions. For 2026, that word is purpose.

A strong sense of purpose matters. It matters for individuals, for organizations, and for communities. For example, as we begin the search for our next high school principal in the months ahead, one of the things I’ll be listening for most closely is evidence of purpose: grounded in service, care for kids, meaningful connection, and community.

As you step into 2026, I encourage you to find your word. What is the word, or the resolution, you intend to carry with you and truly commit to? This season is a natural time for reflection and for finding the fuel that moves you forward.

For me, 2026 is about purpose. And while I love pizza, it’s really just a vehicle. It is a simple, powerful way to bring people together.

I wish you a happy New Year, and I hope you find your one word for 2026.

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

Detroit Style (Pepperoni, Honey Drizzle, and Basil:-)