I recently listened to a message from bestselling author and inspirational speaker Jon Gordon. In it, he said the following:

“The most powerful way to elevate your state of mind is to focus on love instead of fear. Love creates connection. Connection breeds clarity. With clarity you see things clearly, which produces confidence. This confidence then gives you the courage to go for it and take action!”

His message resonates with me. I believe that as a school community, focusing on love instead of fear is the key to our success, and provides hope for the future. We can probably all recall doing something we love, or being around people we love. It energizes us by giving us new ideas. It allows us to more easily set goals and take steps to achieve them. This applies to our teachers and staff, students, and even our broader community.

West Clermont Schools’ Portrait of a Graduate is our North Star, and the attributes we strive to teach our students — Academic & Life Skills, Communication & Collaboration, Character & Integrity, Innovative & Creative Thinking, and Resiliency & Adaptability — are designed to give our students experiences that help them form connections and clarity. As Gordon states, this gives them the confidence and hope they need to be able to achieve whatever they set their hearts and minds to. This is what our Portrait of a Graduate is all about; it prepares students to:

  • Create the lives they desire
  • Turn ideas into action
  • Be courageous in the face of challenge
  • Pursue personal happiness and joy
  • Do what is right even when no one is watching So whether you’re a parent/guardian or student preparing to kick off the 2023-2024 school year, or a community member starting a new chapter in your life, I encourage you to choose love over fear. This is how we all win, and continue to make a difference for the next generation

So whether you’re a parent/guardian or student preparing to kick off the 2023-2024 school year, or a community member starting a new chapter in your life, I encourage you to choose love over fear. This is how we all win, and continue to make a difference for the next generation.

By Natasha L. Adams Superintendent & CEO West Clermont School District.