I spent the last two days at the Ohio School Boards Association’s annual conference. As a board member for my local Educational Service Center, I was there to learn and to congratulate two fellow board members who have served for 25 years and another who has served for 20 years.
The opening event defined the entire trip for me. Many people were recognized for their service to Ohio’s schools and it was inspiring to think of how many people have given so many years of their lives and so much of themselves to supporting Ohio’s public schools. But first we opened with a tribute to veterans, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and a performance of the National Anthem.
Let me just say that all of this hit a little differently for me than it normally would. In a world where public education is under attack, where veterans get neither the respect nor the care they deserve, and where people with disabilities are mocked, it was amazing to see all this unfold.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by two of the cutest little brothers you’ve ever seen and the National Anthem was performed by a young man with a disability who flawlessly sang one of the most difficult to perform songs in the world. To hear the anthems played for every branch of the American military and to see veterans and military family members stand was chilling.
What a beautiful start!
We also heard from the actress Mary Steenbergen who was as delightful, smart and down-to-earth as you would hope. While she’s a famous actress, known for her work in Hollywood and for her marriage to actor Ted Danson, she didn’t fit the Hollywood stereotype at all.
She spoke passionately about her family of teachers beginning with an aunt who, at the age of 16, taught in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Arkansas. She spoke of her mother and sister, both of whom are teachers. She spoke passionately about her love of reading, books and lifelong learning.
She talked about visiting far off places and becoming different people through reading and what it meant to her to have this form of escape. She was a shy kid as well and I could absolutely relate to her stories of immersion in books when the world gets too hard.
She credits her public education and all the people who looked out for her along the way for helping her throughout her lifetime. It was inspiring to hear her talk about the teachers, colleagues and family who made a difference in her life.
Public schools are vital to our society. I’m a proud product of a public school and a proud advocate for the future of public schools. An educated nation is a more prosperous, happier and more enlightened nation. I hope you also are a friend to public schools wherever you live.
