Everyday Heroes

Former tennis great Arthur Ashe once said:

“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever the cost, but the urge to serve others, at whatever cost.”

I’ve been looking around and I’ve determined there is true heroism on display everyday right under our nose.  Take for instance the husband and wife team of Donnie and Tiffany Lyons, two teachers at Fairfield Community High School, who have stared down the pandemic.

Donnie teaches Social Studies and Tiffany English. It’s a demanding job…but since FCHS stopped in-person classes, the job has become all-consuming.

Think about it. Each Lyons carries a 120-student workload. So, since the on-line learning was mandated, they have been teaching and interacting regularly with 240 students. Some thrive…others don’t and require more attention.

Donnie and Tiffany merely represent teachers all over our area who are working harder and longer.  From grade schools to high schools to the college. COVID has changed the landscape of the traditional classroom.

Only through the selflessness of our local teachers and their administrators can any of this work. And don’t think I am blind to the sacrifices of every parent who sits nightly at the kitchen table to help kids through their homework.

Hemingway said courage is grace under pressure. I see it and admire it in our local schools.