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An Open Note of Thanks

By LeaderTalk Contributor — June 18, 2009 1 min read
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This post is simply an open thank you to all of the teachers and those who work with children in public schools. This past week, we watched our youngest walk across the stage for high school graduation. Hers was a large class (over 500 graduates). As is the case with almost all graduations, we had to get to the site early and I got the chance to sit and watch the different parts of graduation unfold; from the band director leading the school orchestra, the JROTC color guard, and the exciting bustle of pregraduation activities.

I thought about how fortunate we are to be in a country where, even in this very difficult economic time, where we still have public schools, available to all children. Public schools where no matter what one’s background, one is welcome to come learn, and prepare for one’s life’s work. This struck me when I read the names of the graduates, who, thankfully, come from many different backgrounds and areas of the world. I contrast that with discussions I have with friends who are in the military who are busy helping build schools and public places in some very difficult environs; where school is closed to many.

As I stood for the Pledge of Allegiance, I thought of all the teachers, school secretaries, school nurses, teacher assistants, custodians, bus drivers, and “food ladies”, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that each of our children get the very best they can offer. I’m blessed by the fact that I have had the pleasure of watching both of our children grow up and flourish in public schools. Thank you to all who have directly and indirectly touched our children.

I watched our child walk quickly across the stage (after all, there were 500 plus graduates and they had to move quickly), and my mind raced through all of the people who have worked with her, pushed her, encouraged her to find her interests, nurture those interests, and supported her as she thought of the different options she had as a result of her hard work and studies. I smiled. She’s decided to be a teacher.

Thanks to all,
Chris

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