“I’m just an ordinary average guy. My friends all are boring. And so am I. We’re just ordinary, average guys.” — Joe Walsh, “Ordinary Average Guy”

Those lyrics are from one of my favorite songs. There are often times when I feel like a regular guy, and there are other times when I really want to be as regular, ordinary, and normal as possible.

That’s kind of the way I grew up. I was no superstar athlete; I wasn’t valedictorian; I pretty much stayed out of trouble; and, I got along with just about everybody at school. We have a lot of students who are like that — just regular kids who mind their own business, get their work done, stay out of trouble and don’t make many waves. They don’t make news by carrying their books to and from school and generally getting through their days and keeping away from drama.

If you know kids like that this time of year, reach out to them. We had a whole lot of awards ceremonies where top scholars and athletes and super kids were recognized, and that’s terrific. But those “ordinary, average guys” frequently get forgotten, and it would be great if some of us shook their hands and thanked them for doing the right thing and getting through the school year.

So, go up to some of these kids, shake their hands and tell them you enjoy knowing them, you appreciate them, and thank them for going about their own business and not everyone else’s.

These are the people who one day will get up every day, go to work, raise families, and probably never get their names in the newspapers. They help make America great, as much as anyone else.

Take time to thank these kids before school is out. If you know kids like this who just graduated, wish them luck and tell them to keep on keeping on. If they’re still in school, tell them they are the ones we count on as much as we do anyone else.

 

John Jarpe is the superintendent of Brandywine Community Schools. He can be reached at (269) 684- 7150.