Will B.
As the school year glides toward graduation, many parents, families, and friends will plan graduation parties, senior photo shoots, and one last summer Hurrah before their graduates head off to college or join the workforce. I am so proud of all the students’ accomplishments and of those who support them as these teens set forth to make their mark in the world.
It’s easy to spotlight the students during this time of year but I am most proud of the coaches, teachers, and administrators of the Olney Independent School District. These molders of minds are true heroes in every sense of the word. They work tirelessly for little pay and most times little recognition. The coaches, at least, are showcased somewhat in the media more than the teachers and even more so than the administration, but all three groups deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.
The admins work so hard behind the scenes making sure the school has what it needs to be successful, which could be providing the right personnel and supplies for each class, the right coach who fits the school’s goals, or working to change legislation or district policies, if need be, to provide the tools to its schools to be successful.
The teachers get so much respect from me; they go so much further than just teaching students, grading papers or answering questions. The teacher is sometimes the om or dad that a student doesn’t have at home, a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen to, personal advice given at the right time, a hug or a stern lecture when it is needed. Teachers work long hours for little pay and oftentimes purchase supplies out of their own pockets. It is hard to explain what all a teacher can mean to each student but they deserve our respect, admiration and a raise!
Then there are the coaches who hold a special place in my heart because they mold young girls and boys into future community members we can rely on. Coaches teach sports, of course, but they also teach life lessons that students may not receive anywhere else. A good coach teaches dedication and commitment, teamwork, humility, confidence, respect, and the value of hard work (to name just a few).
The lessons a coach teaches children will be the lessons that guide them to be successful in all areas of their lives. Some children do not have the family structure or father figure at home to teach valuable life skills, as I mentioned above, and a good coach can change the future of a child from one of failure to one of success. My hats off and my deepest respect goes out to the coaches. You are loved, needed and appreciated!
This is Will B saying, have you thanked a coach, teacher or admin lately? Go on, give them a thank you and a big old hug!