From Steve Hammond, Principal

Pre-Kindergarten Graduation Chapel Reflection

May 2006

Laying Tracks

The largest and most powerful locomotive ever invented by man couldn't go anywhere without having decent tracks to run on. That locomotive could be the shiniest, the most powerful, the best design.but if it didn't have good tracks, it couldn't move a single inch. Furthermore, even if it had a set of tracks that were pretty good.that were laid for a good mile or so down the horizon, then took on a few bad rails, that big locomotive would jump the tracks; it would derail and it would find itself sideways, flat on the ground.

Now you are only 5, 8, 9 or 11, but you, too, are laying tracks. Your parents, your teachers and I we know what it was like to be your age because we've been there before. We're our age and now we are looking back at you and where you are. And we know that you're laying tracks. You are the locomotive, the big, shiny, powerful locomotive.full of promise. You are the locomotive that will deliver yourself and perhaps many others to a destination, a wonderful destination, far away, and perhaps, a long time off. We know that. And we know you are, at this point and time, laying the tracks that you will ride on for your life. And we want you to lay good tracks because if you do, we know that you will go far. What are the tracks you are laying? The tracks of discipline, of honesty and integrity, of character, of organization, of courage, of developing good habits and appetites.

These are the tracks that you are laying right now. Ultimately, they are the tracks of leadership and of service.

And we will help you lay them. We are your support. We know the design. You need not worry about that. That is what we have been trained to do and that is what we are working with your parents to accomplish.!

But only you can lay the tracks. Ultimately it is you that is responsible for his or her strong character, moral fiber, and high integrity.

Every time you tell the truth when you were tempted to tell a lie you lay down another rail.

Every time you push through that last homework assignment when you'd rather quit, you lay another rail and the track runs farther down the line.

Every time you overcome physical laziness on the athletic field to push a little harder to see your way through, you lay another rail.

Every time you befriend someone or make an act of kindness to someone you did not have to, you lay another rail.

Every time you show the proper respect and courtesy to those around you whether it be your parents your teachers or your classmates, you lay another rail that you will ride on.

So lay the tracks. Start laying them down now. And don't let up, throughout your formative years and beyond. There are plenty of tracks to put down. Rail after rail straight and strong . upon them you will glide along. Do this and that train will not derail. It will not jump the tracks. Through the stormiest weather, through the roughest terrain, over the most difficult obstacle, that train will ride. And when the day is done and when it is your time, that train will take you home.

God bless you,

Your Principal,
Mr. Hammond