and the winner is....

Mrs. Emily Keefe is the winner of the 2010 Excellence in Classroom Teaching for the Northland Catholic Schools by the Northland Chamber of Commerce in Kansas City, Missouri. Nice work my love.

Emily provides an example, everyday to her students, of what leadership is and what it means to embrace responsibility and she inspires a shared vision to every one of her students. My wife teaches first grade and even at the young age of six or seven, she already has children setting examples for others, modeling the way, and encouraging others. This is a characteristic that some are born with, some learn at home, and some see Mrs. Keefe setting this example and learn from her.

My wife may not think she is a leader but she practices leadership every day. What makes good leadership is the ability to motivate others to do something they did not think they could do. It is not about motivating them to do their coloring, use their manners, or do what is expected. It is to get them to go above and beyond, without being told, and exceed their own expectations.

Last night in front of hundreds of other teachers, administrators, local business leaders, and government officials recognition was given to deserving volunteers, teachers, and educational leaders. The level of professionalism and dedication from these angels on earth should be reassuring to anyone thinking of bringing children into this world and questioning our educational system.

Making sacrifices is what teaching is all about. Most educators spend five years in college learning their craft, spend at least eight hours a day in the classroom, another couple hours preparing at home after school. They volunteer to coach things, teach scrapbooking, help build rosary gardens, and generally give of themselves without asking for anything. My wife made the decision to teach in a Catholic school because she wants to ability to help children believe in something bigger than themselves. To have faith in something other than the secular and mold them in the spirit of compassion for the poor, giving of yourself for others, and become leaders of social justice in our world.

Sometimes she questions the sacrifice she makes, usually on the 1st and 15th of the month, but when you lay everything out on the table and really do a cost benefit analysis of the tangible and untangible benefits, it's always worth it.

I am honored to be married and share my life with such an amazing person. She is a great educator, mother, and friend to anyone who knows her.

Congratulations to all who were recognized for their contributions to the education of our greatest asset we have, our children.

Cheers and I love you Emily.