As for the best of times, our country has elected its first African-American president! The enthusiasm of the young, black, white and the hopes of our elders cannot be ignored.

As for the worst of times, I have never experienced a financial downturn of this proportion. I don't pretend to understand it, but I keep thinking of the old saying, #“As GM goes, so goes the nation.” General Motors isn't doing so well right now.

What hardships are yet to come? What will we do as a country? What role do our schools play in helping to solve this crisis? Is this the challenge that will galvanize our nation and maybe, just maybe allow this generation of American students to be the “Greatest Generation?”

This generation is growing up in a world that is very different from the one that we adults grew up in. They don't remember vinyl records, getting up to change the channel on a television and living without a microwave, yet they show an incredible understanding of the world around them. As school districts prepare to play their part in correcting our state's budget deficit, please remember that our students are the ones that will be solving our budget crisis and other local and national problems in the very near future. It's important to note that all that we do now contributes to their being able to make sound decisions in the future. Every lesson taught in a classroom and every game played in the gymnasium, coupled with every activity held in the school contributes to the adult in the making. It's about “working toward perfect.” At Union Springs, we are keeping this in mind as we offer our students a solid, rigorous and relevant academic experience, quality sport opportunities and a cornucopia of activities geared to prime the early adolescent mind.

I am constantly reminded of the financial struggles and election triumphs when I look out at our students in the middle school. The fact that these children will be solving our country's future problems resonates in my mind each and every minute. These kids embody the spirit of our school, community, state and world. Although they all have their moments of goofiness, they also have their triumphs in selflessness and graciousness. I am always surprised when people become cynical about the public school system. The truth is our public education system is working overtime trying to get our students to achieve success academically, athletically and to become responsible citizens of our country. A prime example of this dedication is happening at our middle school. This year we formed small advisory groups in grade seven and grade eight. Each team consists of ten students and one staff member. The team meets everyday for fifteen minutes.

During October and November, our students collected more than 9,000 pieces of garbage in their hometown of Union Springs, conducted a successful campaign to fill our local food pantry, and practiced learning good habits on which they can build their lives. Since Labor Day, we have conducted six lessons revolving around the book “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens,” elected a new student government, done numerous team building exercises, and even had an Amazing Race around the village of Union Springs learning about village history.

In addition, our students (with help from The Union Springs Son's of The American Legion) sent care packages to members of our armed services bravely serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is important to note that all of this was done and coordinated through our advisory program that meets for only fifteen minutes each day. If all of this great stuff is happening in just one fifteen minute period a day, imagine what is being done during our 42-minute academic class periods. We are serious about “working toward perfect” every day. We will never become perfect, but all who work with our students know that their profession is responsible for our future. From the work I have seen our students complete, I envision them as the #&Greatest Generation.“

For the first time we will be conducting the initial round of the Scripps National Spelling Bee at our middle school. Our winner will compete at a higher level and maybe even make it to the National Spelling Bee. We are offering Math Olympiad to our students as well. The challenging math questions are presented to students on a regular basis. Our students continue to participate in Odyssey of the Mind and a number of other academic based challenges.

What a thrill it is to think that we may be the educators and the parents of The Greatest Generation.

Think of all that has happened recently and all that is still to be done. Our problems can be solved. It can happen. It's up to us. With your support and preparation and our academic and activity offerings, this generation has the capacity to exceed all that have come before it.

Andy Eldridge is principal at the Union Springs Middle School