Things have changed since I was a kid. In the “old days”, Thanksgiving Break was a short 3 days but now it’s an entire week (which, believe me, I am super thankful for). I think the importance of Thanksgiving continues to get overshadowed by the hectic nature or our lives and the elongating of the commercial Christmas season. Neither of the aforementioned issues do I have any ability to change, but as we pause instruction for a time at PHS, I did want to share a few of the things I am thankful for.
I’m thankful for this community. In my educational career I’ve lived in several communities which are all larger than Pampa. Pampa however, out gives, out supports, and out loves these larger places. Pampa High School rarely has to wonder how a need will be filled, and that’s due in large part to this community who chooses to back our programs and our campus. Thank you!
I’m thankful for the local partnerships that support our school. Area businesses, service organizations, city programs, and first responders all open their doors to our students throughout the year. And in turn, we open our doors to allow them access to help us give a full educational experience to our kids. This is also a rarity in public education. Thank you!
I’m thankful for our staff who choose to use their experiences, knowledge, and education to better our community’s future in light of today’s political climate that chooses to use them as pawns and scapegoats for our society’s ills. We have a building full of staff who are not perfect, but choose to perfectly devote themselves day in and day out to the service of youth. Each one of them could leave our campus today and make more money in the private sector, but yet they stay for their students. Thank you!
I’m thankful for our students. It’s easy to rail on the youth of America as a whole but we are so richly blessed by our youth. They keep us young. They keep us on our toes. They even teach us some new things (new vernacular, technology hacks, insights into the ways of the world). Our school turn out more students with college hours, associates degrees, industry based certifications, and technology skills than ever before in our history. What they can accomplish and witness in their lifetimes is mind blowing. Thank you!
It’s a great day to be thankful! It’s a great day to be a Harvester!
Clay Jones, Pampa High School Principal “Together We Can”
