“Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

The brilliance of Dr. Seuss was in hearts and minds again this past week. 

Whether the focus of Read Across America Day–held annually on Theodor Geisel’s birthday–or a tribute celebration at Delaware’s Hotel du Pont–the good doctor’s verse won hearts all over again. 

It was at the 2011 “Women of Distinction” gala that the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay honored the leadership and accomplishments of Delaware’s Secretary of Education Lillian Lowery.  In Governor Jack Markell’s and First Lady Carla Markell’s introduction they paid tribute to the focus, courage, selflessness, and humor of an extraordinary woman and a respected national leader.   

In turn, Dr. Lowery paid tribute to the young women in the audience who are just setting their sights on college and careers.  She answered their questions about her path through life, what she learned along the way, and the critical points at which she made the choices that matter. 

In closing Dr. Lowery reminded each of us about the places we can go if we are open to possibility.  Her words from Dr. Seuss are worth repeating as each of us thinks about what we can do, what we must do, to provide an excellent education to each and every student in our schools:

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You’re off to Great Places!

You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You’re on your own.  And you know what you know.

And YOU are the [gal]… who’ll decide where to go.

From “Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss