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Avalonia

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The name Avalon is of both historical and spiritual note, reaching back nearly 2,000 years. Christianity (and legend has it, the Holy Grail) was first brought to England by Joseph of Arimathea at Glastonbury on the Isle of Avalon. The Isle of Avalon also is the legendary resting place of King Arthur. Based on this information, Lord Baltimore gave the name Avalon to his first colony in the New World in what is present-day Newfoundland. Baltimore’s express purpose for the voyage was “to plant the seed of piety and religion in the new world.” Although the colony did not survive, it did pave the way for his “gentlemen adventurers” to found the colony of Maryland in 1634, where his dream of religious freedom became a reality. More recently, the concept of Avalon as myth has been claimed as a “new age” symbol. The Avalon School hopes to restore it to its rightful place in society. 

The Last Sleep of Arthur in Avalon, by Edward Burne-Jones, 1895

Duc in Altum

The School’s motto, Duc in Altum (Put out into the deep), is taken from Saint John Paul II’s Apostolic letter Novo Millennio Ineunte. These words “invite us to remember the past with gratitude, to live the present with enthusiasm, and to look forward to the future with confidence.” Young men must learn that taking risks and making commitments in their daily lives – intellectually, spiritually and physically – are necessary to grow both personally and professionally. 

Such activities as school-wide poetry competitions, field and camping trips, interscholastic sports and House competitions, and Capture-the-Flag encourage healthy risk-taking and build friendships, discipline, and self-assurance based on deeds.

The School Crest

The Avalon School crest incorporates both historical and religious symbolism. The colors BLACK, GOLD and RED are the official colors of the state of Maryland. The botonee cross represents Christianity. It also is the same cross (albeit different colors) found on the crest of the Crossland family. The mother of Lord Baltimore, the founder of Maryland, was a Crossland. The red rose is a symbol for Mary, the Mother of God.