Ode to DeKalb I confess my love for DeKalb Central Schools. They call you a Common School because your education is free, non-sectarian, and taught by professionals. But my devotion is uncommon. First, you are free. An interested public educates everyone regardless of property. Lincoln was right: there is no permanent working class in America. For almost fifty years, workers send you their children, and you help them ascend. I look around town and see your lawyers, doctors and clergymen. Second, you are non-sectarian. Jefferson talks of a “wall of separation” between church and state. You gracefully navigate that wall. Your school day, while not sacred, is full of virtue. You view our children – however modest – as part of a noble procession, and guide them through your halls. Third, your teachers are well-trained professionals. I’ve studied at three colleges and none was as good as DeKalb. Mr. Moree’s calculus was 200-level in Bloomington; Mrs. Pence’s ninth grade English changed my life forever; Mrs. Zonker’s grammar notebook (4th grade) is open right now. Their influence never ends, and your current teachers are just as good. Lastly Reader, to echo Pericles: I could go on about the advantages of the Common School, but instead of listening, I would have you day by day fix your eyes upon the greatness of DeKalb, until you become filled with the love of her. (The Star 2-14-14)
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 19:01:16 +0000
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