Inductees reflected on their time in Elkton, as well as how they grew in places far beyond Elkton. To summarize their words: Elkton gave them roots...and Elkton gave them wings. They stated it felt good to come back and they knew that Elkton would always be home. They acknowledge that their success here and in their other towns was because of the foundation they received here.
For a few years, South Dakota State University had the motto "You Can Go Anywhere From Here". Listening to these inductees speak, that motto rings true for our school. We heard someone talk about their work with charities in Honduras. Another reflected on their championships as a coach in a large AA school, while another talked about the relationships and care she took for all their students in our school. Elkton was a place for them to grow...to learn...and to serve others.
We have been blessed with the job of giving our students the skills necessary for them to find success, not only here, but in the world beyond the 57026 zip code. We know that not all of them will "get it" in their time here. For some, it takes them for a few years past their time in Elkton for it to click. We are also blessed that our experiences here give us the skills necessary to keep challenging and shaping us. We may not realize it, but Elkton is giving us all roots and wings. We are establishing relationships and we are developing skills as educators that allow us to take risks.
I am proud that this is the place where I have been given roots. I am proud of the experiences I have had here as a student and educator to give me wings. That has come about because of the amazing teachers I had and the amazing people I have worked with.
Keep working hard. You never know when your influence may be the thing that helps our students (and staff) find success.
