Be Innovative or Die!

The state motto of New Hampshire is “Live Free or Die”.  You may  have seen this on license plates or state flags.  Ever wonder where this slogan came from?  No. Too bad, I’m going to tell you anyway.  This quote is from a toast by General John Stark, a famous soldier from the Revolutionary War.  He said this in 1809 when, due to illness, he could not attend a reunion of those who fought in the Battle of Bennington. Militiamen from New Hampshire fought in this battle; hence the New Hampshire connection. This battle took place in upstate New York just west of Bennington, Vermont.  General Stark sent this toast to the attendees:  “Live free or die. Death is not the worst of evils.”  Pretty strong words; especially if you have no certainty of what happens after your death.  As you may recall from your history lessons, the Revolutionary War pitted the great Army of King George against the “Minutemen” comprised of colonists that were not trained soldiers, but had tremendous aim and a great backwoods savvy. The colonists fought hard and boldly for the one thing that King George was not willing to let them have – their freedom.  The British army was multiple times larger, had more sophisticated weaponry, and had much financial backing. They also wore bright red coats (Lobsterbacks), which made them easy targets. Duh.  They underestimated the willpower that the Colonists had in fighting for that one thing that the King would not give them. We all know how this “David vs. Goliath” war ended. 

In today’s education, our motto could very well be "Be innovative or Die”.  It’s more than just competing against the technology devices that kids have in their hands and this “Microwave Society” that wants it not just now, but prior to now.  Businesses need to compete in the global market, not just the local market. Schools fit this category. We are responding with personalized learning for all students; not just those on an individualized education plan. If you cannot compete, then company death ensues. Look at Kodak, Monkey Wards, and countless Mom and Pop retail stores as examples of this business interment.  We have to be able to make things relevant for kids in ways that perhaps were not relevant five years ago; may be even five days ago. As Bob Dylan crooned, “The Times They are ‘a Changing”.  Being innovative doesn’t just happen – we have to work at it.  Have a vision – see it through and never let logistics get in the way.  Start to wonder “What if…”  Continue with “How do I make this work.”  Get outside of the box.  Then take dead aim at the goal.  If not, enjoy that bright red coat which makes you an easy target.

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The Browns play this Sunday on the shores of Lake Erie against the Oakland Raaaaiders.  We need this “W” as the is the annual “Big Jack Tailgate”…plus we lost to the worst team in the NFL last week…geez, what does that say about us?