Embracing Obscurity- Steer Nation Message 4/25/24

GOOD MORNING…HAPPY THURSDAY!

Lady Blues Softball Bi-District Playoff Series- The Lady Blues will host Lubbock Estacado this Friday and Saturday at Hogan Field. Game 1- Friday @ 7:00 pm. Game 2- Saturday @ 11:00 am. Game 3 (if needed)- Saturday @ 1:00 pm. GOOD LUCK LADY BLUES!

GISD Bond Election Early Voting- There are just a few days remaining to vote during the early voting period. Early voting will begin on Monday, April 22nd. Information regarding the 2024 bond propositions is available at grahamisd.com. Click on the 2024 Bond tab at the top of the page. Additionally, do not hesitate to contact me via email at sonny.cruse@grahamisd.com or via text at 940-282-7870 if you have any questions.

Pioneer Elementary PreK Water Safety Bootcamp-  The district has partnered with Tracey Terasas (Remembering Wyatt Dale Water Safety) to provide our PreK students with an in-the-water safety experience. After the week, the students are fitted for a life jacket. Thanks a ton to Mrs. Terasas and our PreK team for making this happen!

Crestview Elementary- The 3rd-grade Career Day was a big success thanks to our awesome volunteers!

Woodland Elementary- Congratulations to Mrs. Tinkle on being selected as a Young County Readers’ Choice Award!

Graham Junior High- Congratulations to the 6th-grade band on their first-ever 1st-Division rating! They earned the rating for their performance at the Decatur Band Festival.

Free Community Event this Saturday

May 4th Bond Election Information-

 

Embracing Obscurity… Leading Your Life Without Recognition

In a world seemingly obsessed with visibility and validation, the idea of leading a life without recognition might sound counterintuitive, even daunting. From social media platforms to workplaces, recognition often serves as a measure of success and validation. However, what if we reframe recognition as an optional accessory rather than a necessity? What if leading a life of quiet significance, away from the spotlight, is not just acceptable but commendable

Recognition, while often desired, can be a double-edged sword. While it can boost morale and validate efforts, it can also create undue pressure and foster unhealthy competition. The constant pursuit of recognition can lead to a distorted sense of self-worth, where one's value is tied solely to external validation.

Furthermore, the quest for recognition can sometimes overshadow the intrinsic joy derived from the work itself. When the primary focus shifts from genuine passion to seeking approval, the essence of the work may be lost in the pursuit of accolades.

Leading a life without recognition doesn't equate to leading a life without impact. In fact, it can offer a sense of liberation and authenticity. Here are some reasons why embracing obscurity can be empowering:

1. Focus on Purpose: Without the pressure to seek recognition, individuals can align their actions more closely with their true passions and values. The focus shifts from external validation to internal fulfillment, allowing for a more purpose-driven life.
2. Freedom from Expectations: Recognition often comes with expectations and scrutiny. By choosing to lead a life in obscurity, individuals can free themselves from the burden of meeting societal or organizational expectations. This freedom enables creativity and innovation to flourish without the fear of judgment.
3. Authentic Connections: In a world driven by superficial connections, leading a life without recognition allows individuals to cultivate deeper, more meaningful relationships. When the focus shifts from networking for recognition to genuine human connection, relationships become more authentic and fulfilling.
4. Long-Term Impact: While recognition may bring temporary validation, true impact often transcends fame and accolades. Leading a life without recognition allows individuals to focus on making a lasting difference, whether it's in their community, profession, or personal relationships.

Ultimately, the journey of leading a life without recognition is a deeply personal one. It requires a shift in mindset, from seeking external validation to finding fulfillment from within. Here are some practices to cultivate inner fulfillment:

• Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness to stay grounded in the present moment and appreciate the intrinsic value of each experience, regardless of external recognition.
• Gratitude: Cultivate gratitude for the small joys and successes in life, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from appreciating what you have rather than seeking what you lack.
• Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your values, passions, and goals to ensure that your actions are aligned with your authentic self, rather than driven by the desire for recognition.
• Service to Others: Find fulfillment in serving others and making a positive impact in your community, without expecting recognition or praise in return.

Leading a life without recognition is not about shunning success or avoiding acknowledgment of your achievements. Instead, it's about prioritizing inner fulfillment over external validation and embracing the freedom to live authentically, even if it means walking a path less traveled.

In a society that often equates success with visibility, choosing to lead a life of quiet significance can be a radical act of self-affirmation. By embracing obscurity, we open ourselves up to a world of deeper meaning, purpose, and connection—one where our worth is not measured by the applause of others, but by the authenticity of our actions and the impact we make in the lives of those around us.

Have a nice day, unless you have already made other plans…take care of yourself and others!

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY: (Scroll down for the answer.)

What do you call two monkeys who share an Amazon account?

Prime mates!

Philosophy of Charles Schulz- Steer Nation Message 4/18/24

GOOD MORNING…HAPPY THURSDAY!

GISD Bond Election Early Voting- Early voting will begin on Monday, April 22nd. Information regarding the 2024 bond propositions is available at grahamisd.com. Click on the 2024 Bond tab at the top of the page. Additionally, do not hesitate to contact me via email at sonny.cruse@grahamisd.com or via text at 940-282-7870 if you have any questions.

GHS Lady Blues and Steer Tennis District Results- Congratulations on a great showing at the District Tennis Tournament! Hayden Burrows- 2nd boys singles, Regional Qualifier; Jade Dospapas- 2nd girls singles, Regional Qualifier. Stacey Gonzalez- 3rd girls singles, Jaydon Noyola & Silas Yoder- 3rd boys doubles, Reagan Birdwell & Luke Qualls- 1st mixed doubles; Regional Qualifiers. Girls Team: District Runner-up, Boys Team: District Runner-up.

Lady Blues and Steer Tennis All-District Honors- Congratulations to our team on their All-District Honors!

1st Team All DistrictGirls Singles- Jade Dospapas

2nd Team All District Girls Singles- Heather Wright

2nd Team All District Girls Doubles- Reanna Brock/Lainey Herrin

2nd Team All District Boys Singles- Barron Burrows

2nd Team All District Boys Singles- Silas Yoder

Boys Newcomer of the Year- Silas Yoder

Academic All-District- Reagan Birdwell, Olivia Buckley, Barron Burrows, Hayden Burrows, Hudson

Crawford, Heather Wright, Jade Dospapas, Stacey Gonzalez, Scott Grimes, Lainey Herring, Jaydon

Noyola, Luke Qualls, and Silas Yoder.

Lady Blues Soccer All-District Awards and Lady Blue Academic All-District Awards- Congratulations! 1st-Team All-District: Olivia Pettus, Camden Thorne, Adi Pinkston, Kinsley Amburn, Jensen Pettus, Macee Wilde and Sophie Schlieper. 2nd-Team All-District: Mai Bara, Mylee Lattimore, and Taylor Lauster. Honorable Mention All-District: Ellie Weatherman, Marisa Bueno, Becca Heartfield, and Ava Street.

GHS FFA Qualifies for State Contest- Congratulations to the Horse Judging Team (2nd-Place) of Kimber Pratt (3rd-Overall Individual), April Toney, Lela Chisholm, and Jayton Hearn and to our Range Team (5th-Place) consisting of Bowen Boenisch, Cody Epperson, Brazier Joy, and Steven Vaugn on finishing qualifying for the State Contest!

GHS FFA Success at Perrin CISD for District Degree Check- Congratulations to Brazier Joy- Area Officer, Emma Jobe- 1st Treasurer, and Kanyon Crawford- 2nd Sentinal District officer. We brought- 2 area officer candidates: Brailey Brooks& Brazier Joy; 2 district officer candidates: Kanyon Crawford & Emma Jobe; 4 Lonestars: Brailey Brooks, Kiya Cope, Hailey Fuentes, & Hannah Hollingsworth; 1 Proficiency: Lela Chisholm; 1 Golden Horizon0 Graham FFA chaper and achievement throughout the year.

Lady Blues and Graham Steer Track Competing at the UIL Regional Meet in Lubbock- Safe travels and good luck to Shot Put: Hallie Gough, High Jump: Emilee Gordy, Long Jump: Georgia Martin and Peyton Kinman, Triple Jump: Bruin Wright and Ty Thompson, Pole Vault: Rylan Monsey 4th; Abbie Helm 3rd, 4x100m: Olivia Pettus, Kaden Atwood, Georgia Martin, Sophia Schlieper, 800m Run: Lillian Graham and Holton Weatherman, 100m Hirdles: Braylee Mayes, 100m Hurdles: Andon Masterfield, 4x200m Relay: Olivia Pettus, Kaden Atwood, Georgia Martin, Sophia Schlieper, 300m Hurdles: Ava Street, Andon Masterfield, and Zathin Reyes, 200m Dash: Sophia Schlieper, Mile Relay- Olivia Pettus, Lillian Graham, Ellie Weatherman, Mary Lyndell Graham.

GJHS PLTW Students Build Bowling Alley for Elison Assisted Living- We are proud of our GJHS PLTW students for their work building a bowling alley for Elison Assisted Living!

GHS Art Spring Show Artist Reception- Mark your calendar for April 23rd.

Pioneer Elementary Developing Young Readers! Kids in Action Water Safety Training Program.

Lady Blues and Graham Steer Athletic Schedule for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday- Good luck… BE EXCELLENT IN COMPETITION!

May 4th Bond Election Information-

 

Philosophy of Charles Schulz… Creator of the Peanuts Comic Strip

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip.

You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them. Just read straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish … Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚘𝚗: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most.

Have a nice day, unless you have already made other plans…take care of yourself and others!

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY: (Scroll down for the answer.)

What kind of shoes do frogs wear?

OPEN TOAD!

Building for the Future or Managing the Decline- Steer Nation Message 3/12/24

GOOD MORNING…HAPPY FRIDAY!

GISD Bond Election- Early voting will begin on Monday, April 22nd. We have planned several dates/times to go live on Facebook to share information and to take questions regarding the bond propositions. Here are the scheduled dates and times.

• Monday, April 8 at Noon with Brandon Joy (POSTED ON FACEBOOK)
• Tuesday, April 9 at 5:15 pm with GISD Band Director Josh Kidd and GISD AD-Head football Coach McChristian (POSTED ON FACEBOOK)
• Thursday, April 11 at 5:15 pm with GISD Director of Special Programs Natalie Husen (POSTED ON FACEBOOK)
• Monday, April 15 at 5:15 pm with Pioneer Elementary Principal Donna Gatlin, Crestview Elementary Misti Thompson, and Woodland Elementary Principal Audra Barrett.
• Tuesday, April 16 at 9:00 am with GISD School Board President Andrea Lowery
• Thursday, April 18 at Noon with GISD Director of Curriculum and Instruction Gary Browning.
• Friday, April 19 at 8:00 am with GISD School Board Vice-President Chris Blanton

Information regarding the 2024 bond propositions is available at grahamisd.com. Click on the 2024 Bond tab at the top of the page. Additionally, do not hesitate to contact me via email at sonny.cruse@grahamisd.com or via text at 940-282-7870 if you have any questions.

GJHS Future Problem Solver Teams Set to Compete at the State Contest- Congratulations and good luck to our Future Problem Solver teams who will be competing this weekend in the State competition in Waco. Students who will be participating are Gavin Gaton, Kelly Bundrick, Knox Andrews, Maddux Lisle, Emma Hufstedler, Colt Graham, Madelyn Kramer, Kase Bundrick, Liam Bailey, Walker Bennett, Weston Gray, Nevaeh Shough, Quinn Craig, Sophia Purdy,  Collins Weil, Kaelyn Mowery, Kate Hufstedler, and Porter Caddell. BEST OF LUCK!

GHS Art Spring Show Artist Reception- Mark your calendar for April 23rd.

GHS Lady Blues and Steer Track Area Qualifiers- Congratulations and best of luck today at the Area Meet in Abilene.

Long Jump- Peyton Kinman

Triple Jump- Bruin Wright

Shot Put- Hallie Gough

800m- Ellie Weatherman

100m Hurdles- Zathin Reyes

300m Hurdles- Andon Masterfield

200m- Sophia Schlieper

200m- Harrison Brockway

3rd place finishers

Long Jump- Georgia Martin

Pole Vault- Abbie Helm

Pole Vault- Rylan Monsey

Triple Jump- Ty Thompson

Sprint Relay - Olivia Pettus, Kaden Atwood, Georgia Martin, Sophia Schlieper

800m- Mary Lyndell Graham

800m- Tyson Weaver

100m Hurdles- Braylee Mayes

100m- Stian Tunstroem

4x200m Relay- Jace Gill, Keegen Voyles, Harrison Brockway, Stian Tunstroem

300m Hurdles- Ava Street

1600m- Tyson Weaver

4x400m Relay- Olivia Pettus, Lillian Graham, Mary Graham, Ellie Weatherman

4x400m Relay- Zathin Reyes, Keegen Voyles, Peyton Kinman, Thomason Burkett

2nd place finishers

Discus- Hallie Gough

800m- Lillian Graham

800m- Holton Weatherman

100m Hurdles- Andon Master field

4x200m Relay- Olivia Pettus, Kaden Atwood, Georgia Martin, Sophia Schlieper

RSB3 Percussion- Congratulations to the RSB3 Percussion Section on their 2nd Place finish at the NTCA Lewisville show! Great job!!!

Pioneer Elementary Developing Young Readers! Eclipse fun at Pioneer!

Crestview Elementary- Crestview students had a great time learning about the eclipse and viewing it with their classes!

Woodland Elementary Jump 4 George- These guys just got a little richer! They were the recipients of the Jump 4 George Attendance incentive. It truly "pays" to come to school! Congratulations to each of you!!!

GJHS Band- Congratulations on a well-deserved 1st-Division rating in Sight-Reading at the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest!

Lady Blues and Graham Steer Athletic Schedule for Friday- Good luck… BE EXCELLENT IN COMPETITION!

May 4th Bond Election Information-

 

Embracing Tomorrow: Building for the Future or Managing the Decline

In the grand tapestry of human history, communities have often found themselves at a crossroads, faced with the critical question: Do we build for the future or manage the decline? It's a dilemma that demands foresight, courage, and a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of both present and future generations. Today, as we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, this question resonates louder than ever.

In the heart of every community lies a desire to thrive, to flourish, and to leave a legacy that withstands the test of time. However, achieving this requires more than just short-term fixes and reactive ‘bandaid” measures. It demands a proactive approach, and a commitment to innovation, and sustainability.

So, what does it mean to build for the future? It means envisioning a tomorrow that is brighter, more equitable, and more resilient than today. It means investing in education, infrastructure, and technology that lay the foundation for long-term prosperity. It means preparing for generations to come.

But building for the future is not just about erecting physical structures; it's also about nurturing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. It's about empowering individuals to unleash their full potential, to dream big, and to pursue bold ideas that push the boundaries of what's possible. It's about fostering collaboration and partnership, recognizing that our collective strength far outweighs our individual efforts.

Building for the future requires more than just vision—it demands action. It requires leaders who are willing to make tough decisions, to prioritize the greater good over short-term gains. It requires community members who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved, to be active participants in shaping their own destiny.

Managing the decline is an altogether different approach—one that is marked by complacency, stagnation, and a reluctance to change. It's a path that may offer temporary relief but ultimately leads to a dead end. Managing the decline means clinging to outdated systems and practices, ignoring the warning signs of impending crisis until it's too late.

In a world where change is the only constant, managing the decline is a luxury that no community can afford. It's a gamble with high stakes, one that risks condemning future generations to a world of limited opportunities and diminished prospects.

So, where does the answer lie? Is it in building for the future or managing the decline? The truth is, it's not a binary choice—it's a spectrum. Every community must strike a delicate balance between preserving the past and embracing the future. It's about honoring tradition while also embracing innovation. It's about learning from the mistakes of the past while also charting a course towards a brighter tomorrow.

In the end, the path we choose will define not only our present but also our legacy. Will we be remembered as stewards of progress, architects of change, or will we be relegated to the footnotes of history as those who failed to rise to the occasion? The choice is ours to make, but one thing is clear: the future belongs to those who dare to build it.

Have a nice day, unless you have already made other plans…take care of yourself and others!

CORNY JOKE OF THE DAY: (Scroll down for the answer.)

Which bear is the most condescending?

A PAN DUH!