• “Why Not?…” is the motivational theme for this year.
Lincoln County School District No. 2 administrators and staff gathered for the annual kick-off event August 20 in the Star Valley High School auditorium where they honored veteran teachers for their years of dedicated service and welcomed 22 new certified staff members and several new classified staff members to the district. Additionally, they enjoyed a motivational message from Keynote Speaker Mickey Smith, Jr. who was named the 2020 Grammy Educator of the Year. “Why Not?…,” was introduced as this year’s inspirational theme.
Eileen Jensen who is beginning her 38th year with LCSD No. 2 was honored by Superintendent Matt Erickson who spoke highly of Jensen and her years of dedication to students. “She has been a great mentor to me and a great friend. Look at all the kids she has loved over the last 38 years. Why not teach?” Lisa Garner, Drew Hokanson and Joe Wetzel were recognized for their 35+ years loving students. Erickson again said, “Why not teach?”
The theme of “Why Not?…” comes from an interview that Smith gave CBS Television when he was recognized as the winner of his Grammy. When asked “Why teach?” Smith emphatically responded, “It’s so rewarding. Why NOT Teach? Why not teach?”
Smith, an accomplished musician, entered the auditorium playing “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson, which features Bruno Mars, on his saxophone. His message centered on the following truths:
■Love them just the way they are but love them enough not to leave them just the way they are.
■Teaching has “very little to do with teaching subject matter and everything to do with showing them that they matter.”
■Teaching is “a work of art – a work of heart.”
■“If it’s just about information, they don’t need you. They have YouTube. But the truth is that they don’t need YouTube. They need you.”
■“You do more than teach, you reach. You do more than instruct, you inspire.”
He shared inspiring stories about his own experiences as a student and how he came from marginalized conditions and poverty to being the first high school graduate in his family, and the first member of his family to ever attend college, all because of a teacher who believed in him and inspired him to grow in ways he hadn’t anticipated. Additionally, he shared a touching story about his own role as a teacher and friend in the life of a child who grew and loved learning because of Smith’s connection with him. At the conclusion of his presentation, Smith once again played on his saxophone, leaving the crowd with “I Will Always Love You,” as performed by Whitney Houston.
At the conclusion of Smith’s remarks, LCSD No. 2 gave him a standing ovation and several staff members publicly shared tender feelings about his message, and expressed gratitude for the opportunities they have to positively influence the children in the Star Valley and Cokeville communities.
Erickson’s message to all LCSD No. 2 employees was one of appreciation and confidence. “We would like to express our gratitude for your unwavering commitment to our students, our schools and our communities. Each of you plays a vital role in shaping the future. Your influence extends far beyond the classroom. You are not just educators. You are ambassadors of our district. Your dedication, passion and professionalism represent the values we stand for and we are confident that together, we will continue to inspire and empower our students to reach their highest potential. Our theme is Why Not…Let’s strive to make our schools places of joy, discovery and growth. Let’s embrace challenges as opportunities to innovate and learn, and most importantly, lets support one another as we work together towards our shared goal of providing the best possible education for every child in Lincoln 2 by ensuring all 3,000 students find success at the next level.”
