The four pillars are the bywords of this school, and they will become the cornerstone of our lives.
-- Dean Nolan (Chapter 1 paragraph Page 3)

Importance: Dean Nolan is addressed the new students just arriving at Welton Academy. He is referring to the four pillars of success: Honor, Discipline, Excellence and Tradition.

Ah, Mr. Anderson. You have some big shoes to fill, young man. Your brother was one of our best.
-- Dean Nolan (Chapter 1 paragraph Page 9)

Importance: Todd Anderson is the new student in the junior class at Welton. Dean Nolan is not tactful in reminding Todd that his brother was “one of our best.” He’s setting up Anderson to fail if he doesn’t measure up to his brother.

I was a student at this institution many moons ago, and no, at that time I did not possess this charismatic personality.
-- John Keating (Chapter 4 paragraph Page 26)

Importance: The new English teacher Mr. Keating is stunning the boys with his casual, light-hearted attitude especially compared to their other stuffy...