I talked to a young lady who will likely be the valedictorian of her class. She was matter-of-fact about it, not haughty or prideful. It is a mission for her, in that both her mother and grandmother had been valedictorian. She was bright and carried a conversation studiously, with knowledge of the human condition and an appreciation for the various pursuits and professions of life. She is well educated. In this aging school, teachers ply their craft leavened with love and purpose. School leaders do what they need to do to serve the students with passion at the center of 100 universes. Unknown boundaries and limitless potential were appreciated, one student at a time. People passionately helping other people, leading to productive and noble citizenship, may be the only salient purpose of public primary, secondary and higher education. These small schools embody Jeffersonian democracy at work in the community. If students emerge from places like this as better citizens, Cotton Center ISD and other similar school districts will have attained the highest purpose of any educational endeavor. Cotton Center recently purchased a used scoreboard from Lamesa ISD. Mr. Bobo and his band of volunteers retrieved it, probably on a lowboy, and set it up. The Cotton Center faithful were satisfied. It didn’t have video. There were no special effects. It kept track of the time, downs, yardage and the score, which seemed to have little impact on pride or purpose. Yes, Cotton Center wants its kids to play hard and do their best. That is the point of the game. Winning is important, but incidental. People passionately helping other people, leading to productive and noble citizenship, may be the only salient purpose of public primary, secondary and higher education. These small schools embody Jeffersonian democracy at work in the community. If students emerge from places like this as better citizens, Cotton Center ISD and other similar school districts will have attained the highest purpose of any educational endeavor. If such institutional values are absent in considering a particular university, look elsewhere for a place to study—a place where you can help build a free society. You may contribute to a university’s sustenance with a clear and concise focus for liberty, passion and community purpose. These foundations make a shared universe, and a good university, work.
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