May 18, 2010
…And now the end is near
I have walked on “untrodden ground”. My tenure as the first George Washington Teaching Ambassador is coming to a close. These two years have been an opportunity of a lifetime for an Oklahoma Teacher. I have been fortunate to stay numerous times at Mount Vernon, meet the OUTSTANDING men and women who work behind the scenes at Washington’s Estate and Gardens, dine with highly regarded historians, and become acquainted with numerous educators across Oklahoma. I have traveled more than 30,000 miles within the Sooner State, presented to over 25,000 students and almost 5,000 teachers. It has been an experience I will treasure in my heart.
I would be remiss if I did not mention some very special people who have touched my life and made this journey possible. Mrs. Bonnie Henke is one of the “Mount Vernon Ladies” who happens to be from Oklahoma. She is the perfect example of a lady—beautiful both inside and out, intelligent, and kind to everyone (Washington would have admired her!). Ann Bay and Nancy Hayward have been instrumental in promoting and directing the ambassador program and graciously answered all my questions and continually supported my efforts. Crystal McCliggott, Debbie Baker, Yvonne Jones, Laurel Noe, and Meghan Rafferty helped me with technology, scheduling, and all the little “details” that needed to be accomplished—always with patience and kindness. Steve Bashore sparked my interest in the Oliver Evan’s Grist Mill and Washington’s distillery that have been re-created at Mount Vernon. Diana Cordray always greeted me with a welcoming hug whenever I entered the Education Center. Assistant Curator Christina Keyser, with her great breadth of knowledge, provided detailed information on many of the objects in the mansion. Dean Norton, Director of Horticulture, is a jewel! He spent many hours educating me about the estate which included a tour of the gardens and pointing out various trees—even one with Civil War marking— and gave me a hands on lesson about dendrochronology. Dennis Pogue and Esther White explained the archeological projects on the grounds and spent time showing me interesting artifacts. Jamie Bosket smoothly arranged events—always with a smile, and Librarian Mary Thompson took time to find certain facts for me—she knows where all the information is located! Jim Rees, the Executive Director of Mount Vernon, made me feel like an important and integral part of Mount Vernon. His book on Washington’s leadership was instrumental in many of my presentations.
And now to the General…These two years have truly been a journey in which I increased my knowledge and admiration for the General tenfold. The more I know about the man, the greater my esteem for him. Although he seemed to naturally have tremendous courage and strength, I am in awe of his continued and purposeful growth in becoming a better American. For many years in my classroom I had a huge sign that read, “A politician thinks of the next election, a statesman thinks of the next generation.” Washington was unquestioningly a statesman. He has taught me to think of others, to compromise (because that is how our constitution was devised), and that a truly great person never abuses power. I hope this is the message about our first president that I have conveyed to my fellow citizens—Washington is so much more than wooden teeth and a chopped cherry tree—he is the person ever American should aspire to be.
So now my job as the George Washington Ambassador is nearing its conclusion and I will go back to my classroom next year, but I plan to continue spreading the greatness of Washington to the next generation of Americans. After my last school presentation I received some thank you notes from the students. One of those read, “Thank you for making us know that George Washington was a hero!”
“Tis Well”,
Jan
Category: George Washington
