in Austin, TX
Dear Paragon Families,
I am incredibly humbled to share that I have been recognized as Educator Insider Magazine’s Top Head of School of 2026. To be completely honest, I am not even sure how I was nominated, but I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of congratulations and kind messages from so many of you. Your support, encouragement, and belief in what we are building at Paragon mean more to me than any title ever could.
Ironically, when I received confirmation that the award was official, I was in the middle of ruthlessly fighting stubborn boards off the deck at Barkley’s Field. Covered in sweat, exhausted, and questioning my own sanity, I found myself thinking– if I’ve already “won” something like this, why am I still pushing myself this hard? Why do I keep choosing the difficult path?
That question led me to reflect on something I know well: ambition. If I’m being honest, ambition might be the death of me. As I vented (probably dramatically) about how physically grueling the project was and how ridiculous it was to think we could tackle it over Spring Break, a friend responded, “But you’re nothing if not a visionary!”
And the truth is– that’s exactly it. I am a visionary. I can see what Paragon can become. I can see the future of this school, this campus, and the incredible potential within our children. That vision, paired with a relentless ambition, is what drives me to show up every single day– whether I’m in a classroom, in a meeting, or prying up boards under the Texas sun.
My hope for each of you is that you have something in your life that pushes you forward in the same way. Something that calls you to keep going, even when it’s hard. And even more importantly, my hope is that together, we can help our children discover that same sense of purpose, that same ambitious drive, so they grow into individuals who don’t just dream about the future, but build it.
For this deck project– I would like to send the most gratitude to staff members Brandy Miller and Jackie Acosta. Brandy showed up everyday over Spring Break to sweat and work with me. Coach Jackie and her Austin Valkyries Rugby team also helped with the destruction. My son, Michael, and my 2 girls also spent a majority of their break working on this project. And Melissa Lype came by one day to say she was not helping, but then picked up a broom and started sweeping. Nick Nelson came by to grab some discarded lumber for some new garden beds for our Gardening elective. And we could not have done anything without our contractor Dan Hoffman– he has been with Paragon longer than me:)! Much appreciated for all of the help over our break!
I hope you all had a wonderful break with your families and I am looking forward to seeing everyone back on Monday!
Lindsay Hay, M. Ed.
Head of School
