I had the great pleasure of viewing Tuesday's sacred ceremony with 72 students, from three of my Rutland High School Science Classes. You know those apathetic, video warped, hormone drunken malcontents with baggy pants you've been hearing about in all those articles about NECAP test scores.

In the few hours we fixed our eyes upon Washington I heard only respect, interest, and very intelligent comments about how blessed they feel to live in this great Nation. When the National Anthem began, they ALL stood without being cued. Some sang. Some wept.

I guess I witnessed that "New Birth of Freedom" that Mr. Lincoln spoke of when he honored the dead at Gettysburg. Sharing the family name with one of that battle's great heroes, I realized that afternoon that I was witness to the fruits of all those Union Soldiers, slaves, abolitionists, and leaders who have given all they had to see those words from our Declaration of Independence Manifest. Tuesday that document was finally delivered. Not to the King of England; to every citizen of the United States of America.

Let us remember it was not one or two people who brought this change! It was not one political party. It was not one military leader, or Presidential Candidate. Let us also remember it will not be you or I that bring this next great move! It will take more than one to turn around our economy and trade deficit. It will take more than one to make our youth the leaders in Science and ingenuity once again. It will take many!

Like General Stannard, who led his Vermonters into that flank attack that turned around a battle; a war; and years later a nation.....I will do my small part in leading those 72 young charges o’er the ramparts into the dredges of a failing America.
Today they start with mastering the Metric System, the steps of the Scientific Method, and introductions many alternative energy concepts. Quiz Friday!

Your Humble Servant,
Mr. Stannard, Science Teacher