Kadoka Area Patrons,
The following column ran on the 30th of December of this 21-22 school year. This Memorial Day, we thank the veterans and soldiers in our midst who made this holiday possible. Unsung, but never forgotten, we thank you for your great contribution to society.
Dear Kougars,
Sitting in my family living room with my energetic children opening presents for Christmas made me realize that the greatest gift is not from Santa but the elves themselves. Of course, St. Nicolas delivers all the pageantry and makes the headlines, but where would he be without the elves and Mrs. Claus taking care of all the big day’s details? What would the reindeer pull if they didn’t have toys fill Santa’s magic sack? I am sure that all those that receive coal, as I did one Christmas morning as a child, would be quite satisfied with avoiding a messy hand of black soot when they reached in their socking on Christmas morning. However, somebody had to cut and form that lump from the mine. Still again, Santa didn’t do all this work by himself.
The message of improving my attitude about him and his yearly appearance was aided by those making his operation run smoothly. I may have sat in his lap at a nearby department store as a tike and told him I knew he wasn’t real and that I was only doing this for a picture my mom wanted. However, the execution of the punishment probably fell to those around the jolly holidaymaker.
Similarly, our school and society is full of heroes that go unnoticed but make a huge difference in human capital development from our public school system. Namely, those who assist the principals and superintendent directly make sure we have what we need when we need it. In the past, these positions would have been called many names: janitors, secretaries, or even hourly staff. However, many are quick to point out that they are much more than that. They are pleasant voices on the phone when you call. The person, your child, comes to when they need a hug. The people who work around them are much less stressed and more productive just by their presence. There isn’t a set description of these positions, many bring different skills to the job, but all are valued.
As New Year’s approaches, maybe a fancy resolution is not in order at all. Why ask for some- thing new when what is around you is the best you could ask? Our support staff at Kadoka Area is a New Year’s wish in itself. As I watch the ball drop-in Times Square this year, I will not be in awe of the beauty. Intentionally, I will remember the people who did the little things to make it possible, and in turn, remember those who make our district so much better by their mere presence and skills. Thank you to all.
As on New Year’s and Christ- mas, Memorial Day is to remember the wonderful contributions of those who deserve so much credit but rarely are heard from. Thank you, Veterans, families of those who have fallen in war, and those who passed away in battle. We love this country and thank you for defending it.
Sincerely,
Robert Lukens
MS/HS Principal
Kadoka Area High School