“I care about our young people, and I wish them great success, because they are our Hope for the Future, and some day, when my generation retires, they will have to pay us trillions of dollars in social security”
Dave Barry
Only 37% of Americans believe today's children, once grown, will make this country a better place, according to Kids These Days: What Americans Really Think About The Next Generation, a public opinion study released by Public Agenda. Across all demographic groups, the public is intensely concerned about the moral and ethical development of America's youngsters and see these problems as widespread, affecting families of all income levels. Americans believe parents are fundamentally responsible for ensuring their children grow up with the right values, yet only one in five say it is very common for parents to be good role models and teach their children right from wrong.
I am happy to say that I am one of the 37%. Young people need models, not critics. Monroe has many positive models and teachers for our children. Gary and I received first hand knowledge of this and we believe it is worth sharing.
The Red Onion Café was privileged to serve lunch to the high school football teams one afternoon; following their last two a day practice. As Gary and I set up the tables outside of the stadium, we could hear the coaches instructing the boys on the finer points of gridiron warfare. We had to chuckle because we were hundreds of yards away and we could clearly hear the coach’s voices. The boys soon finished practice and headed to the locker room to clean up before lunch. What happened next was eye opening to say the least. Each boy, after going through the buffet line, walked up to Gary and me to personally thank us. All 90 players without exception. My throat dried out from saying “You’re Welcome” over and over and over again. The coaching had obviously continued in the locker room.
Hats off to Coach Krause and his staff. The next time you see these role models on the sidelines; remember they are teaching our youth much more than football. I think the legendary coach John Wooden said it best.
"Sports do not build character. They reveal it.”
Mark Bursley
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| Kids these days.doc | 27 KB |