I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jim Chelsvig and his outstanding student leaders for asking me to serve as Parade Marshall in the recent JHS Homecoming. Also, I extend my gratitude to Hannah Scobbie who called me and kindly assisted me before the parade. It was, indeed, an astonishing surprise and a deeply moving honor that I will never forget. Even though the afternoon went by quickly, the time spent meeting new JHS students and reuniting with former students was sweet.
It was a delight—and no surprise—watching the ever-organized and devoted JHS student leaders scurrying around, putting the last touches on another successful Homecoming Parade. Their efforts truly exemplify what is great about Jacksonville High School: the actively engaged students, dedicated teachers, and devoted parents who always do more than what is required or expected—a united effort by a few for the good of everyone.
When I arrived at the parade site, Mr. Chelsvig was juggling a clipboard, responding calmly to a bevy of questions from frantic kids and being, as usual, absurdly funny but coolly efficient. The ever-capable Mrs. Beard was expertly directing the parking efforts of confused entrants: some drove large pickups pulling unwieldy trailers transformed into resplendent floats, while others drove enviably shiny convertibles designated to carry individuals. However, Mrs. Beard was not taking away the role of JHS’s endearing traffic cop Officer Melbourne: although he already had experienced a long and difficult day, Officer Melbourne was cheerfully engaging in conversation with students and entrants and competently directing traffic—all at the same time—so the parade could begin in an orderly fashion. Of course, the teachers, students, and parents who had spent hours and hours building these amazing floats were not all visible on that day, but their previous extraordinary efforts were visible: a panorama of color and form that brought smiles from the crowded streets and excitement to the giddy children gripping their candy bags. The scene on that beautiful day was a vibrant testament to the exemplary teaching, learning, and doing that continues to reign at Jacksonville High School.
Although I retired from JHS this past spring, a significant portion of my heart is still entrenched in Room 408 where I spent many joyous hours with students discussing the wisdom of great authors: William Shakespeare, Thomas Hardy, John Steinbeck, Anna Quindlen and Margaret Walker, to name a few. Each one, through his or her literary works, offers remarkable insight into the human condition. Although it is impossible to know whether I or those discussions made a difference in my students’ lives, I am absolutely certain my students made a difference in mine. The young people I saw at the Homecoming Parade, working behind the scenes as well as honorees on the floats, like so many I encountered in the past 20 years, are the difference-makers. Their peers, their school, and their community are better because of the presence of these accomplished students who resolutely care, plan, and act. It is an honor to know you.
Keep up the good work!