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President's Message
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April 2009
By Patty Christiansen, President
Persevere to the finish line
Do you remember Derek Redmond? Derek is an athlete from Britain who became world famous because of one foot race during the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. Derek was favored to win the gold medal in the 400 meter race.
The runners lined up, the gun was fired and the runners took off around the track. About 150 meters into the race, Derek collapsed on the track in pain with a torn hamstring. Just when the crowd thought he would be carried off on a gurney, Derek got to his feet, fought through the pain, and began to limp toward the finish line. His father managed to get past security and joined his son on the track. Together, Derek and his father completed a full lap as the crowd roared, giving Derek a standing ovation.
The incident is a well-remembered moment in Olympic history – not because Derek ran the fastest race or won a medal. Derek is remembered as an athlete who refused to give up. He had every reason to stop running, lay back and allow himself to be carried off the track. But, Derek wanted to finish his race, despite the obstacles. If you want to be inspired, watch the video clip entitled, “Perseverance” at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nifq3Ke2Q30&feature=related
We are in the last lap of the PTA year. Many of us will be finishing our term of office and we may be feeling tired and ready for a change. It would be so easy to stop running, lay back and allow ourselves to be carried off the track.
This is the time to develop a Derek Redmond attitude. We need to get back up, set our sights on the finish line, and then, with all of the effort we can muster, finish in style.
- When you took this PTA office, what did you want to accomplish? Did you have personal goals? Did you want to accomplish something specific for your unit or council PTA?
- Set your sights on the “finish line” of your term of office. What can you do to accomplish your goals in the time you have left?
- Give yourself a pep talk. The school year is almost over, and we are tired. Get up off the “track” and head toward your “finish line,” even if you have to limp!
One of the things that makes Derek Redmond’s race memorable is that his father barged past security and joined his son on the track. Together, they crossed the finish line. In your PTA, there are people like Derek’s father, who will be willing to join you on the track and help you cross the finish line. Once you have decided what your final accomplishments will be, don’t hesitate to ask members of your team to help. These will be your final efforts as a team; remember to include your team members.
Another great Englishman, Winston Churchill, said it this way: “Never, never, never, never give up.” Amazing things can be accomplished in three months! You can make a difference for the students and parents in your school. Don’t give up now! You can do it!