I'm so grateful for your post, Deborah.

What an inspiring example of perseverance: From sixth swim test to state champ! I plan to tell your tale to my children, when they tire of Basketball drills!  I am personally stunned by your illustration: The power of one's mind to predetermine an outcome. I need to immediately apply this wisdom to a couple of my own active projects.

To answer your questions, I am always grateful when their schools teach my children to stand strong, even when others do wrong. My kids are vocal about values, and the teachers are consistently supportive. Our schools always do a great job teaching the core curriculum, but I'm especially grateful for so many teachers that model kindness, courtesy and honor for the kids.

Thanks again for sharing your amazing tale!

Tristan