It happened again…after today's IHSA Class 1A State 3rd/4th place game, Wes & I once again had the privilege of sitting down with our Devils (this time, the SVHS basketball team) for a team dinner and time together before making the trip back to Southern Illinois tomorrow morning. We had a similar experience 2 years ago with the SVHS Cheer Squad, a memory I won't soon forget.
Of all of the privileges that come with serving as a school administrator, there's nothing that comes anywhere close to spending quality time--meaningful moments away from the hustle & bustle of school--with SV students and their families where, if only for a few minutes, we're like one big family that celebrates together, laughs together, and hurts together. Moments when the perpetually tough "game face" can come off and the smiles, laughs, and tears show the personal touch that is in each of us etch the faces of kids, parents, and colleagues in our memory for a lifetime. Books, finances, accountability, education reform and procedures take a backseat to relationships, life lessons, and encouragement. SV196 is different…in a good way.
I had my "unfiltered moment" about a week ago outside NCOE High School. Almost everyone was gone from the gym, and the bus was about to pull away to make the return trip to SVHS. Players, cheerleaders & coaches were loading the bus. As our team wrapped up another successful night, a quote that I recently heard came to mind…"not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted" (William Bruce Cameron, 1963). All of the accountability measures, audits, test scores, survey results, and yes, even ballgame scores, can't capture the essence of success. Why? Because no method can measure the satisfaction of heart & mind. That night, outside NCOE High School, hearts & minds were satisfied, needs were met, and a team was strengthened. I had a second "unfiltered moment" this morning inside Carver Arena as I watched the Devils pass through a tunnel of fans, friends, and families that were roaring cheers and applause for our champions as they embarked on today's task. As I looked over my left shoulder to Wes, I saw tears in his eyes, too. The power of the moment engulfed both of us simultaneously. SVPride had done it again--like an old-time preacher used to say--it "got all over us."
One thing is certain…something special is happening at SV196, and I saw it again tonight. What a great day to be a Red Devil!
jason.henry