Celebrating The King of Kings
written by Aiken County Public School District Superintendent King Laurence
I am a Christian. Hopefully, that is not a secret. As a Christian, my goal is to become more like Jesus, an inclusive leader with a desire to welcome everyone into God’s plan of salvation. While I don’t use my position to proclaim the gospel, it is my desire to have my behavior serve as that witness.
The Christmas season sparks a desire in many people to be more generous, not only with their material wealth but with kindness and encouragement. I believe that our schools provide the greatest opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ to countless children and adults every day.
Public schools accept all children regardless of race, gender, family background, national origin, ability or disability. That wasn’t always the case. As with the rest of our society, schools were slow to recognize that we are all God’s children. Today, public schools are inclusive, and at a place now where we are closer than we have ever been to following Christ’s example.
Our public schools feed the hungry. For some children in our community, breakfast and lunch at school are the only meals they can count on. I am proud of our work to ensure that we are able to provide meals to all children every day without cost to them or their families. Our commitment to feeding hungry children extends beyond the school year, and with the generosity of community partners, through weekends and extended holidays.
Our public schools teach and inspire. Most of us remember the teacher who inspired us to be better than we thought we could be. We remember the firmness when it was needed and the gentleness when it wasn’t deserved. Over three decades, I have observed “the light come on” for countless students. Witnessing accomplishment emblazoned on the face of a child of any age and grade, from first to high school, is one of many intrinsic rewards educators enjoy. Every day in our public schools, I see God’s actions carried out by the hands and hearts of teachers, assistants, nurses, secretaries and volunteers.
Children are each given different gifts. Some children experience significant academic barriers, making success in certain areas more difficult. Quality public education in itself is a gift, a present bestowed upon healthy families and communities.
Emma Lazarus’ 140-year-old poem inscribed on Lady Liberty reads, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” America was and still is a melting pot; our classrooms, like most, are representative of a broad range of ethnicities, religions, socioeconomics, identities, races and life experiences. Diverse cultures sharing space and learning from each other helps us embrace the unique in the world, and prepares our future citizens to be innovative, inclusive and effective.
As I approach retirement and reflect on my career this holiday season, I know that I have been blessed to serve alongside our teachers and staff in their tireless support of our community’s children and families. The month of December is a very special time in our public schools, our communities, our places of worship and our homes. Regardless of your own family’s religious beliefs, a spirit of giving and a heart of service unites us all and contributes to the magic of the holidays.
Wishing you and yours a peaceful holiday season and a Happy New Year.
CLICK HERE TO READ SUPERINTENDENT LAURENCE'S GUEST COLUMN IN THE AIKEN STANDARD.