Friday, May 21, 2010

Teach your children well

It's graduation season in Colorado. I attended Fairview High School Knight of Excellence last night, their awards program. Never mind what you hear about today's youth. I'm here to tell you, they're just fine. In fact, they're better than fine. They're excellent.

The auditorium was packed to overflowing with proud parents and grandparents and siblings. And at least one aunt who'd flown in that day from California. The students that were being honored filed in, filling the empty rows. They were accomplished in all areas - sports, languages, science, arts.

It was wonderful to listen to the teachers talk about the kid they'd chosen for their department award or distinction award. Often the award was given to not just to the smartest but to the most well-rounded. Over and over again, the presenters mentioned a student's integrity or cheery nature. The Phys Ed department awards went not to the strongest or fastest or buffest, but to the kids who showed an interest in a healthy lifestyle and tried their best.

It was an inspiring night. The teachers and principal were so obviously proud of their charges. The parents were beaming in the reflected light of their kid's accomplishments. And the kids were excited to be on stage with their peers.

Oh my niece, you ask? Fairview High School's female Scholar Athlete. Way to go, girl.

6 comments:

Linda O. Johnston said...

Congratulations to you and to your niece, Terri! What sport(s) does she play?

Camille Minichino said...

I love graduations! I'm always happy when education is being celebrated. Thanks for sharing, Terri.

Terri Thayer said...

It was a great celebration of educators and students. Well done to all.

Betty Hechtman said...

So nice to hear that kids are doing well. Congratulations on your niece. How nice that you flew in for her graduation. I'm sure it meant a lot.

Anonymous said...

I think sometimes people forget that kids are just people. You get good, bad and everything in between.

Terri Thayer said...

She plays basketball and soccer. Yesterday her high school soccer team made it into the state finals. What's wonderful is how nice (and smart) all the girls are.