YOU'RE WELCOME!

I’ve been gifted in life! In ways too numerous to mention, God’s unyielding Grace has pervasively entered my life in all aspects and facets. And this morning, as I reflected upon the vast horizon of my many years, I realize that one of the greatest gifts has been the privilege of teaching and working with the children of Southwest Philadelphia. And nothing could have significantly brought this to my attention greater than my recent involvement with the Great Valley Middle School’s production of the Wizard of Oz.

As a teacher in the city, I am a proud member of a cadre of professionals who tirelessly tend to the needs of children, many of whom have fallen from life’s radar. Marginalized by society, a majority of my students reside in the lowest ranks of the socioeconomic parameters. Each day they arrive at school exhibiting various degrees of need and neglect while still being held to the highest levels of academic proficiency and advancement. For many of my students, there will never be the opportunity to stand on life’s grand stage before family, friends and peers for that “3 minutes” of fame and glory in the theatrical sun.

With the middle school's production of “Oz” already in a “sputtering” full swing, I answered an email version of an “SOS.” As I read the exhaustive list of volunteer opportunities, I zeroed in on one that appeared a little less benign than the rest.  As the “assistant set director” I felt I could expand on my many years of theater experience on stage and learn what actually went on behind the scenes. In addition, I offered my services to a noble group of hard-working, fun-loving, dedicated dads who spent many Saturdays and any available weeknights building sets. 

To drive this home, I think what really surprised me was that for the first time in 16 years, I was actually welcomed to partake of a Great Valley community experience. Oh, sure, over the years I’ve received many panicked pleas for community involvement. These included, PTO volunteers of one kind or another or, activists to sit on boards comprised of well-intentioned parents attempting to make curriculum decisions for the benefit of the school district. But my earnest willingness to “be a part of” was often met with a measured glance and a tacit, “I think we’re all set, thanks.”  “If we have anything, we’ll let you know.” This time, I thought, could it be different?

As we began work, I studied the slow evolution of an idea; many believed to be overzealous and daunting. Though we all had our reservations regarding the potential for success, many hours of brainstorming, collaborating, compromising and decision-making took hold and “Oz” was born. Moving from construction to full-scale dress rehearsal required our young stage crew to become comfortable with handling large pieces of set. In spite of many glitches and adjustments, our crew did their jobs like the consummate professionals they were. Nothing made this more evident than to witness the joy and shear delight of each young phenom as they hit their marks.

As I witnessed each night’s performance, I treasured the opportunity to watch the faces of children involved in this labor of love. Now, some of us enjoy singing, others thrive on dance and, there are those who simply want to stand on the stage and make people laugh. But the question I began to ask myself throughout the show was, “…What is it that these kids are looking for?"  “…What is it that we’re all looking for?” And it’s simple folks. It’s not about singing or dancing or being a clown; it’s about being welcomed. Every child, whether out front, on stage performing or, back stage, moving sets was welcomed to be part of something new and exciting. It’s human nature, ladies and gentlemen; and, I don’t care if you’re from Malvern, East Whiteland, Willistown, Charlestown, or Southwest Philadelphia, child or adult alike, we all want to be welcomed. 

I believe that Great Valley is a vibrant, thriving community. How do I know that? Well, it’s not because I read a statistical printout of the latest Pennsylvania State System of Assessments rankings telling me how many children in the district have scored proficient or advanced. And it’s not because I’ve analyzed the recent comparisons of housing prices correlated with projections for tax increases tied to academic progress on a 5 year spreadsheet. It’s because on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, I was welcomed to witness the unmitigated expressions of joy as hundreds of kids, parents and volunteers, my daughter and I among them, took their final bows on stage, together, a community of believers.

I’ve been gifted with God’s Grace; this community has been gifted. And this morning, when I greeted my students on the playground, I tried just a little harder to make them feel welcome.  After all, isn’t that what we all want?  Just ask the Wizard!