Happy Flag Day!

Who would have guessed that the flag we respect so deeply was designed by a Midwestern teenager for a class project in the 1950s? Robert Heft originally received a B- for his design. In order to receive an A, his teacher told him he would need to get his flag accepted by Congress. (How's that for a grading curve? Teachers sure know how to motivate!)

Two years later, Heft received a phone call from President Dwight D. Eisenhower with the good news. True to her word, Heft’s teacher changed his grade to an A.

Two things I take away from this:

1. Teachers have the capacity to change the trajectory of an entire generation. It was unlikely that a phone call from the White House and a political career was in Heft’s future. But a teacher had the insight to see his potential and the conviction to challenge him to greatness.
2. If given the opportunity, children have the ability to bring greatness into the world: art, music, and discoveries. We must believe in their potential, empower them, and recognize their value and place in our community.

The decisions we make today will leave their imprint on the upcoming generation. So let's make choices that are sustainable, responsible, and create margin for the young dreams of our community.

Happy Friday. Happy Flag Day. And Happy Birthday to my beautiful mother. 🎈