I sent district staff the following e-mail and I thought I would pass it on to you as well.  If someone wants to accuse me of being a flag-waving patriot, I can think of worse things to be called.

Take care,
Alan Bennett
Superintendent
Naselle Grays-River Valley School District #155

Dear Staff,

As I was passing the river near our home this morning, I saw this eagle feasting on a steelhead.  As it took flight I caught this picture.  It made me think of how fortunate we are to live in America.  We certainly have areas we need to improve, and we undoubtedly make our share of mistakes.  There is no where else in the world I’d rather live however.  The eagle is a great national symbol of strength and freedom.  Our public schools are a great place to foster learning and love of country.  I appreciate all each of you do to help our children develop their minds and their character.  You truly have a huge responsibility, and a tremendous privilege.  I can tell by the way you interact with children as I travel through the schools at the K-12 campus and the Naselle Youth Camp School that you each take this seriously.

We will only be the land of the free as long as people are willing to work hard and sacrifice.  Thank you for helping to instill these values in the hearts and minds of students.  The future is literally in our hands,

Take care,

Alan

see picture