Teachers, parents, community -- all need to work for children's future

We are getting close to school time again. Many parents will be sending their child off to school for the first time, and many will be getting just a little closer to that day when they will graduate and move on. This is the world that will take a large part in molding and shaping those children.

I have always said the most important people that will have an influence on a child's life are the parents or guardians and the teachers. A child can also have an unbelievable amount of outside influences, however, that can also take a part in shaping a child's life over an extended period of time. It takes both parents and teachers working together to help lead that child on a path that will be successful.

Sam Walton grew up during the great depression and worked part-time jobs even as a child to help put food on the table. He did not have any special advantage over any other child except that he was a hard worker and eager to learn. We all know what became of Sam Walton before his death in 1992. Every child has the same opportunity to become whomever they want. But sadly, there are many children who do not use that opportunity in life.

Statistics show that suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people. According to the CDC, nearly 4,400 young people take their own life each year. Another study indicates that on any given day one out of every 10 children that drop out of high school is in jail or a juvenile facility, while the average for children that graduate is 1 in 35. It is hard to see so many young people come through the county jail. Once they start down this path, it becomes harder for them to change it. There is often no longer a teacher, a parent, or anyone else left to try to change his or her path in life.

Frederick Douglas said, "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." We have caring teachers in our schools in Vernon County who are willing to make the effort to educate our children. We must work together to build strong children, to mold and make their future a bright future full of dreams so they can pursue those dreams and be successful in their lives.

Vernon County schools have great teachers who care about your children and want to work together with parents, grandparents and the community to help make them strong. I would encourage parents to take the time to stop in and let our teachers know how grateful you are for their playing such a large role in our children's lives.