Corner Column

By Phil Major
publisher@wood.cm
Posted 5/27/21

by Phil Major

This has been an extraordinary few weeks during what has been an extraordinary year-plus in education – as in all of our lives.

It was my honor and privilege to interview some of the top graduates of local high schools recently.

They are impressive.

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Corner Column

Posted

This has been an extraordinary few weeks during what has been an extraordinary year-plus in education – as in all of our lives.

It was my honor and privilege to interview some of the top graduates of local high schools recently.

They are impressive. I have no problem turning the world over to this younger generation. They are certainly well-equipped to improve it.

Our best and brightest appear ready and eager to take their place as successful human beings.

They are, without exception, smart, personable, engaging and have good ideas about how to pursue their futures.

We look forward to seeing what else they can accomplish.

Among the many traits they share are their dedication to a variety of activities, from sports to ag, from fine arts to organizations that work to better our world. And they don’t just participate, they lead the way.

As the school year has wound down, it has been pointed out, from multiple sources, that everyone involved in the public education system has had to step up to make this challenging year work.

I know that parents, teachers, administrators, staff and all who support the schools take great pride in what was accomplished this year under often trying circumstances.

The fallout from educating during a pandemic may be with us for years.

As has been the trend in recent years, school districts have taken the time to acknowledge success stories from among the student body, and so I witnessed many more of our best recently, from Head Start to graduating seniors.

I have no doubt that every person involved in education would like nothing more than to have every student walk out of high school with the kind of potential we have witnessed.

But we know that is sadly not the case. For every student who comes to school ready, prepared to work, with a family support system, there are many others who lack this basic foundation and therefore face added struggles. The reasons are myriad, including troubling family situations.

This was acknowledged by Mineola ISD with the need for additional services from licensed professional counselors making campus visits.

Other avenues are being addressed to tailor career paths that involve various trades rather than college. (I think we’re missing the boat by not building a career and technical education regional center, but that’s a discussion for another day.)

We know that finishing college is a lofty goal that many do not attain for any number of reasons. I hope you read about the recent development that will open college doors to more young people in the community. We also know there are many decent occupations that require other types of training and skills, which schools are increasingly offering.

Though not an educator, I come from a family of them and understand the rewards coupled with the frustrations.

When you push the baby birds out of the nest and they soar like eagles, there couldn’t be a much greater reward.

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An aside, no your eyes did not play tricks on you. Last week’s paper was narrower and a little out of proportion. The press had a major breakdown and the Monitor had to be shipped elsewhere and printed on the narrower width, which created additional issues.

At least it came out on time.