There are many overt Thanksgiving hymns in many church hymnals. Yet, thanksgiving is something we all likely take for granted…not necessarily the holiday itself because that day is usually reserved for family, friends, and lots of food.
I think about a living thankfulness for our many blessings: health, home, and a host of other qualities, not the least of which is an attitude of thanksgiving.
This past Monday night at our November board meeting, the district recognized 132 students and 23 coaches/staff for excellence in a variety of endeavors:
•Region Championship Teams
•Shrine Bowl Football Participant
•North-South Football Participant
•Competitive Cheer Team
•Future Farmers of America
•Newberry Honor Band
•Limestone Honor Band
•Female Strength Team
•FCA Player of the Year and FCA Coach of the Year
In District 56, we have much to be thankful for—region championships in boys’ cross country, football, and girls’ tennis. Not only did we compete in these and other endeavors, but our students also excelled.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but Clinton is the smallest (or nearly the smallest) AAA school in the state, yet the willingness to achieve is not seen as an obstacle but an opportunity.
Too often, our life’s attitudes determine whether we see things as obstacles or opportunities. As referenced in the title of this month’s article, “Come, Ye Thankful People, Come,” the author of this hymn focused on an imperative: “Come!” Thanksgiving should not be a choice but an imperative.
The hymn written in 1844 was an autumnal hymn showcasing the effort behind the planting and the harvesting. The author conveys a sense of thankfulness for the provisions to get through the winter.
In public education, we too often focus on the problems, the issues, the naysayers—let’s just call them thorns—and not the accomplishments, the rewards, the advocates—let’s just call them the bountiful harvest.
We have so much to be thankful for in District 56. We have strong leaders in our schools, incredibly dedicated teachers in our classrooms, and caring and competent support staff in transportation, food service, technology, maintenance, and so many other areas.
Last Monday night, Mr. Lawson told the board we received one million dollars from the State Department of Education for safety upgrades for our early childhood and elementary schools to assist in improving the entrances and exits at the front doors.
That is truly something to celebrate. Safety is so critically important now.
Our mascot—the Red Devil—won the WSPA Mascot of the Year for 2023. Thanks to a community effort and reminders from one of my former students—Andrea (Ivey) Curtis—the community supported and pushed our mascot (ala Henry Curtis) over the top.
Little and big things combined make District 56 such a special place.
I know I am the most fortunate man to have the team assembled with me. Not just educators but a school board focused on the best for students. So many districts are having issues, and so many boards are having problems; I am so thankful we have a robust and committed board for the safety and education of our students.
Now, are we perfect? No, far from it. All it takes is to look at the superintendent to know that’s not the case.
If you look at thankfulness in its rawest form, we are thankful for blessings we don’t even recognize we receive. I wear glasses and have terrible vision, but I can see; I am now 65 years old and can’t get around like I once did, but I can still move well for an old man. It’s the little things that matter.
I think in District 56, we have so many big and little things to be thankful for.
The next time you are prone to criticize (or look at the obstacle), think about the opposite (the opportunity).
We have all been richly blessed. Clinton, Cross Hill, Kinards, Joanna, and Mountville make mighty strong fingers for a mighty powerful hand.
And all we can do is play the hand we are dealt to the best of our ability.
And to be thankful!
Dr. David O’Shields is the Superintendent of School District 56. His column in The Chronicle appears on the first Monday of each month.
A list of students and staff who were recognized is on Page 10 in The Clinton Chronicle Dec. 6 issue.
