Welcome to our board meeting! We are glad you’re here!

As I was reflecting on tonight’s message, I started thinking about this time of year, specifically the month of July. Two dates came to my mind: July 20 and July 24. Does anyone remember why July 20 is significant? Yes, that’s right. It’s the date Apollo 11 became the first spaceflight that landed humans on the moon.

Americans Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on July 20, 1969 at 20:18 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). Armstrong became the first to step onto the lunar surface six hours later. We all remember his quote, “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” Just imagine, it was eight years earlier when President Kennedy challenged us to put a man on the moon before the decade was out. Now that’s a powerful vision that became a reality.

Does anyone know the significance of July 24? It’s kind of a trick question, because that date is most significant to me. That was the date 32 years ago that I was honored to participate in the Olympic Torch Relay on its way to LA in 1984 for the XXIII Olympiad. And, I brought the Torch I carried that day to share with everyone here tonight.

Here’s the story: I was in my sixth year as a Sweetwater teacher, and it was my 3rd year at Hilltop Jr. High School. I have been a runner, really a jogger, most of my adult life since 1975. I saw an ad in Runner’s World magazine that read, “Carry The Olympic Torch…and Leave a Legacy to American Youth.” I said to myself, “Really?” Who doesn’t have the dream of being a part of the Olympics!

The catch was this opportunity was offered to anyone wanting to reserve the privilege to run a kilometer and carry an Olympic torch by making a $3,000 donation to the Boys or Girls Clubs of America or the YMCA. Each of these organizations would then use this money to create a youth sports endowment to perpetuate teenage participation in Olympic activities.

I set that goal and decided I wanted to include as many people as possible in this effort. SEA sent out a letter on my behalf asking for donations. I went to many service organizations like Kiwanis, Optimist, Rotary, and the Chula Vista and Sweetwater Women’s Clubs seeking support. I spoke at the Chula Vista City Council asking for a donation that would help bring The Torch Relay through Chula Vista. Hilltop Jr. organized fund raising events.

Eventually, along with teachers, community organizations, and individual residents, we prevailed and raised the $3k necessary to involve our community and actually put our city on The Torch Relay map! Originally the Torch was not planned to travel through Chula Vista or even other South Bay cities including National City and Imperial Beach. A group of us runners lobbied strongly until a decision was made on July 15. The $3k raised here was split evenly between the Boys and Girls Clubs that were separate clubs at that point in time.

In our efforts to raise the money, I received many notes of encouragement. One such note was from a senior couple who wasn’t able to give a lot because they were living on a limited income. But, they were willing to give what they could and only asked to be invited to the Chula Vista location to watch the event. So, on July 24, 1984, I met Lawrence and Patricia Emerson at the corner of F St. and Woodlawn at approximately 5pm. It was a sweet moment.

I also had many pictures taken that day, including a 5-year old that I didn’t actually know on that day. But, seven years later when she was a 7th grader at Castle Park Middle and I was an assistant principal, she shared a picture of the two of us on that special and momentous July day.

I was officially relay runner #4568. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Truly one of my most memorable! Not only because I was a part of The Olympic Torch Relay; but because I was really part of a greater effort to involve others in a way that all of us who were there felt a closer sense and feeling of the Olympic Spirit!

The Torch you see is 2lbs. 2oz./1 kilogram. It’s 22 inches/56 centimeters. It can be re-lit because the shaft is a butane tank that can be filled with propane. On the rim is an engraved picture of LA Coliseum and the Olympic motto: “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Swifter, Higher, Stronger).

The 2016 U.S. Olympic Team that will compete in Rio is made up of 555 athletes who represent 46 states. There are 125 athletes from CA and one very special athlete from the Sweetwater Union High School District – Desiree Davila Linden, a 2001 Hilltop grad – she will be running in the marathon. Other quick bites of information: the youngest athlete is 16 yrs., the oldest is 52 yrs.; 292 U.S. female athletes and 263 U.S. male athletes competing in 27 sports; the most women to compete for any nation in a single games. Go Team USA!

What is the message I want you to remember from these two July dates?

• First, tonight’s message is about establishing a vision that almost seems unachievable like the one President Kennedy set for us in the early 1960’s. However, with deliberate, calculating and strategic actions, those challenging goals can become reality. Let’s remember our goals stated in our LCAP that emphasize the value and success of “each student.” We can and will succeed – together.

• Secondly, whether it’s collaborating on landing on the moon, or collaborating on a common project like fundraising for a worthy cause, our outcomes are much more powerful and satisfying when we work and pursue it together.

• Lastly, please reflect upon the meaning of the Olympic Spirit as we approach the 2016 Olympic Games. Some say the Olympic Spirit is best expressed in the Olympic Creed:

“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”

My final thought is to draw your attention to our “Sweetwater Stars” initiative. We are looking to recognize and acknowledge our employees who are “captured at their best!” Not if, but when you are the benefactor of an action worthy of this recognition, please take the time to write what happened and submit it to our Grants & Communication office so we can publish it on our website. This form is also available online at https://www.sweetwaterschools.org/sweetwaterstars/

Thank you for the opportunity to serve and support each of you!

Sincerely,
Karen Janney, Ed.D.