Let us celebrate our community more

In the almost five years I’ve been writing this column, I have regularly been able to take pride in Dripping Springs athletes and their victories, thanks mainly to Mr. Carl Waits and his column in this newspaper.

As a former arts editor, however, I don’t think there will never be enough information and articles about our elementary, middle school and high school choirs, dance groups, visual artists, our award-winning middle school and high school bands and our internationally-recognized high school drama performances, among others.

The same is true about my interest in learning more about the academic achievements of our DS students, from elementary through middle school and high school.

In every instance, we have young people working hard, during and after normal school hours to become the outstanding performers they are becoming. During a sports event, can we take our eyes off the scoreboard to appreciate the fact that these students -- the teams, half-time performers, cheerleaders -- have spent hour upon hour in practices?

Do we even realize their directors, sponsors and coaches rarely see their families after mid-July -- or even before that -- and this goes on until the season ends? Having married a head football coach, I know about these M.I.A. husbands, wives, moms and dads…and when they finally do get home, after grabbing a late dinner, how they’re reviewing videos and rethinking programs into the wee hours.

Do we understand how most kids -- from athletes to Tiger Marching band members, Hi-Steppers and cheerleaders -- begin school in early August and continue, practicing early and late sometimes, until the end of the school year?

Have we thought about all the extra hours students put into clubs, play rehearsals, debate team and choir practices?

This summer, I witnessed my grandson, a rising sophomore, attend debate camp, virtually, at The University of Texas. He spent something short of three weeks for what seemed to be day-long sessions, five days a week. This doesn’t count the virtual debate competitions the DSHS debate team attended last year. Even as grandmother to a debate team member, I am ashamed to say, I cannot remember celebrating these young people and all they accomplished, despite the barriers of COVID-19 last year.

Oh sure…there are the end-of-the year banquets, award ceremonies, etc., but what about the rest of the year?

The same can be said for the students who serve internships during the school year -- and unless you have a family member attending, you probably didn’t know there are DSHS students serving in these hands-on opportunities in education, early childhood, Chamber of Commerce, banking, insurance, real estate, medicine, nursing, leadership roles, etc. So, what’s the big deal?

So, what’s the big deal? What’s so important about celebrating all these kids in all these organizations? Why should we individually recognize all the professionals who devote their time to these students, freely sharing their expertise and giving our students experiences that provide not only great bonding opportunities but wonderful memories and, for some, opening doors to future careers?

According to experts, celebrating is healthy. Celebrating any amount of success (think weight-loss) means progress and moving closer to a goal or a dream. Any accomplishment impacts success. It’s not about throwing a bigdeal party or receiving a big-deal gift. It’s about the acknowledgement of achievement.

There are many positive benefits to celebrating people in our community. The experts have their lists. Here are mine:

Celebrating anyone’s achievement brings us closer together as a community because we share in the pride that comes from effort and outstanding performance.

Celebrations gives sponsoring businesses an opportunity to be recognized.

Celebrations motivate even higher achievement.

Celebrations improve attitudes…like pride in community and working together.

Celebrations encourage and inspire younger generations to set goals and have something to work toward.

With these benefits in mind, wouldn’t it be great if:

Local businesses adopted a student group, club, team, organization or project to celebrate through the year.

Schools and the ISD did more to externally publicize student achievement, in organizations, for projects, for academics as well as sports.

The Chamber regularly recognized the teachers, coaches and/or sponsors of student groups or projects in their newsletter and/or at their monthly luncheons.

Churches regularly recognized student academic success as well as the success of student groups involving student church members.

Social media did a better job of safely celebrating Dripping Springs kids and their achievements.

Just a thought, so what are we waiting for. Let’s celebrate!