Bringing awareness to Education Week
November 16-20 has been designated as American Education Week. The idea originated in 1919 when the NEA and the American Legion met to discuss ways to generate public support for education. Local draft boards had reported that 25% of the draftees in WW1 were illiterate and 9% were physically unfit. The first observance was held December 4-10 in 1921. Since then many other entities have joined as co- sponsors. Although the original purpose was to eliminate illiteracy and to promote physical fitness the week has evolved to promote new themes and goals. It is now an opportunity to promote collaboration between parents and educators and to recognize and thank all of those who play a role in the education of the young people of our nation.
On behalf of the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce and its education committee we would like to acknowledge, recognize and say thanks to everyone in our community who is involved in any way with education of the boys and girls of Columbus and Lowndes County. We all have a vested interest in education irrespective of whether or not we have children in school at this time. The goods that we use and the services we receive will be produced and provided by those are in school today. A great American, Benjamin Franklin stated it so well when he said ” An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”.
Sometimes we as a community are remiss in expressing our thanks and appreciation for all that is being done by each of you to help our students reach their full potential. The famous Irish poet W. B. Yeats had a very salient comment when he opined “Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.” The spark that you light in the minds of our young people may well change the destiny of our country.
Our community and our nation depends on an educated citizenry. If we are to continue to be an innovator and the leader of the free world we need a system of education second to none. The importance of this was recognized by President Abraham Lincoln when he said it so well “I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in.”
Thanks again from all of us at the Chamber. May we all work together to champion students and promote learning in our community.
Wilson Beck,
Director, Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce
Glenn Lautzenhiser,
Chairman, Education Committee Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 40 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
