Thursday, February 4, 2016

TOMMIE SAYLOR: Tough times call for hard work and discipline

“This is not the end.  It is not even the beginning of the end.  But it is perhaps, the end of the beginning.”
Winston Churchill

By Tommie Saylor
Kennedy High School Principal

It is that time of the year when it is easy to just give up, a time when many have been worn down by students, nerves frayed, patience gone. I think it is the short days – the long hours of darkness and cold weather – that drives us to complacency.

It is this very time that one’s character is exposed and one’s true self is laid bare for all to see. It is easy to stand strong when all is well, but when you are driven down to your knees is when true character is revealed. The choice is simple: Do you stand strong, remain vigilant and uphold the standards that have made us great, or do you fold and allow a bunch of kids to dictate your future? 

Now is the time for fortitude. It’s the time to reach deep down inside and gather your strength.  It is the time to lend your vigor to your neighbor, renew your convictions and work exceedingly.  It is moments like this where battles are won or lost.

Integrity comes at a price and one’s legacy is written during times of strife. If you truly care about your students, you must uphold the standards and push your students. You can’t give in.


How and where will you lead them. Making Kennedy the school of choice. Excellence by design.

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