We all need a little March Madness

I don't know about you but my "March Madness" bracket never made it out of the first round. The college basketball tournaments on the men's and women's side have been entertaining to say the least. The highlight thus far has been 15th seed, St. Peter's University in Jersey City making it into the Sweet 16. (Although, my Superintendent will feel otherwise due to the success of his Villanova Wildcats.) It's the underdog story of a small school beating the big school, a little known basketball school beating the legendary Kentucky Wildcats. What most people thought was nearly impossible are seeing "March Madness'" before their very eyes.

​The phrase "March Madness" started in March 1939, when Henry Porter, an executive assistant secretary with the Illinois High School Association, coined the phrase “March Madness” in an essay in the organization’s Illinois High School Athlete publication, titled “March Madness.” Porter was describing the 900 team basketball tournament that took place in March in Illinois when he wrote that “a little March madness may complement and contribute to sanity and help keep society on an even keel.” The phrase was later picked up and trademarked by the NCAA and is still used by both organizations today.

​We recently surpassed the two year mark of what has seemed like one long March and the start of the pandemic. I think we can all agree that at times it has been "maddening." However, much like the teams in the basketball tournament, there has been planning, there has been collaboration, there has been teamwork, there has been struggle, there have been comebacks, there have been surprises, there has been heartbreak, there has been joy. Together we have accomplished much and we have shown the world what educators are capable of when faced with a difficult challenge. As "March Madness" 2022 (that would be the month of March in schools, not the tournament) draws to a close next week, let us be reminded that the contributions and accomplishments of our students, staff and community have been a success story...a shining moment......a symbol of hope for society. No matter the odds, we are in it to win it. What a great story that is! 

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