A poem by Rotarian Dr. Michael Thomas, Superintendent of School District 11, and read by him at the Diamond Award presentations made on March 22, 2019:
“Answering the Call”
You answered the call to lead
No one said it would be easy
Seemingly alone
You ask yourself "Why"
Was it for the power or prestige
Certainly it is not that which sustains you!
Rather, it is the inner strength of servitude
That is only derived from
Witnessing the learning that occurs
With students each day
It is clear that you are called to a role with purpose
That is beautifully aligned to outcomes
Far greater than a bi-weekly paycheck
It is when a student says
"I wish I had a mom or dad like you"
"I wish I had a friend like you"
"It is only because of you!"
Then it is affirmed...job well done
You answered the call to lead
No one said it would be easy
Words do not come close
To capturing the lived experience
Of being an educator
The multitude of unsolicited demands
The average 14 hour days
The recognition of others' needs over yours
Is common place
Let us recognize the important role you play
In shaping the future of tomorrow
Let us uphold you and say
"It is only because of you!"
Let us pause in your greatness
That as an educator, you are changing the world
You answered the call to lead
No one said it would be easy
And we thank you for answering!
No one said it would be easy
Seemingly alone
You ask yourself "Why"
Was it for the power or prestige
Certainly it is not that which sustains you!
Rather, it is the inner strength of servitude
That is only derived from
Witnessing the learning that occurs
With students each day
It is clear that you are called to a role with purpose
That is beautifully aligned to outcomes
Far greater than a bi-weekly paycheck
It is when a student says
"I wish I had a mom or dad like you"
"I wish I had a friend like you"
"It is only because of you!"
Then it is affirmed...job well done
You answered the call to lead
No one said it would be easy
Words do not come close
To capturing the lived experience
Of being an educator
The multitude of unsolicited demands
The average 14 hour days
The recognition of others' needs over yours
Is common place
Let us recognize the important role you play
In shaping the future of tomorrow
Let us uphold you and say
"It is only because of you!"
Let us pause in your greatness
That as an educator, you are changing the world
You answered the call to lead
No one said it would be easy
And we thank you for answering!
By: Michael J. Thomas, October 2013
For Teacher's Appreciation Week
