Our district's celebration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. began with a morning of oratory and song at the Carruth Administration Center. Lamar Watson, a seventh grade student at Pearce Middle School, and Nelson Cole and Joseph Bonney, two seniors from McCallum High School, spoke eloquently on this year’s theme, “Empowerment Through Education.” Following these presenters, the young ladies of the Bedichek Middle School Choir closed the morning’s events with three inspiring songs.The observance of Dr. King’s life and legacy continued into the afternoon with a visit to Travis High School, a campus recently honored with a "No Place For Hate" designation. There I joined students and community members at a pie social hosted jointly by culinary arts students from Travis High and their counterparts from neighboring Pflugerville ISD.
With its round shape and diverse ingredients, pie symbolizes inclusiveness and creates a welcoming place for all who share it around the table. Through the simple act of gathering to enjoy the pies they had baked together, these students aim to promote peace and understanding in the example of the great man we remember today. I enjoyed this event so much, and was so impressed by the organizers and participants, that I have resolved to host a pie social on behalf of the district as part of next year’s activities to commemorate Dr. King.As I told those assembled in the AISD board room this morning, it is unfortunate that while we are celebrating Dr. King’s life today, we are not also celebrating an end to injustice and inequality. We as educators have a special responsibility to create hope and opportunity for every student in AISD, regardless of their skin color or zip code, but our efforts to bring about the change we believe in have met with considerable resistance these past few months.
In the face of opposition, Dr. King reminds us that “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. …Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” To our school community, especially our staff, I want to thank you for standing with me in the conviction that we can eliminate achievement gaps and ensure that every single student leaves this district with a diploma in hand. And to those who are still unsure about joining us in these efforts, I invite you, in the words of the good Doctor, to “Take the first step in faith,” so that we all might walk together in this great cause.
As we honor Dr. King today, I hope everyone will join me in embracing and advancing his vision of opportunity and progress as we continue the work of providing each student a better education and a brighter future.