Excitement, expansion, excellence - those were among themes emphasized by educators as area schools begin their fall terms.
The messages at Lincoln University, Helias Catholic High School and the Jefferson City Public Schools were combinations of pep talks, vision statements and challenges.
LU President Kevin Rome last week emphasized excitement, borrowing lyrics from the Pointer Sisters' song, "I'm So Excited," to engage educators at the Fall Faculty-Staff Institute.
Past, present and future were referenced by Student Government Association President Kenisha Grandsberry when she characterized LU as "a progressing garden where the visions of our founding fathers serve as the roots which nourish our school and each of us together represents the stems that uplift our students, who are the blooming flowers - growing strong in beauty, prosperity and purpose."
Rome echoed some of those sentiments when he said: "I believe we are educating students who will rise up and change our world for the better."
Expansion of both facilities and opportunities was the focus of remarks Friday by Father Stephen Jones, president of Helias.
The school is involved in a campaign to raise $15 million during the next five years to build a science center, fine arts center, larger chapel and comprehensive sports complex.
The facilities, however, are a means to an end. Referencing the fine arts center, Jones said: "And that is really what this is all about, the ability to expand our own curriculum and the ability to expand what we offer co-curricularly and extra-curricularly."
Larry Linthacum, who begins his first school year as superintendent of Jefferson City Public Schools, referenced "excellence," "achievement" and "commitment" in remarks Monday to faculty and staff.
"I honestly feel like my job is to try to get us going in the same direction," Linthacum said. "We've got some challenges. I don't claim to have all the answers but, if you forget everything you hear this morning, remember, we're all in this together."
And Board of Education President John Ruth discussed the scope of public education when he said: "One of the great thing about public education is that we take everybody. And I think that's just an awesome thing - and everybody comes from a different place."
Those collective thoughts are inspiring and instructive as we begin a new school year.
Students, both public and parochial, may come from different places, but they gather with peers and teachers in elementary, secondary and university classrooms to seek, share and gain knowledge.