It is hard to believe that we will be closing out 2020 this month. The challenges that we have been faced with this year are insurmountable. One of my favorite sayings is, “obstacles are opportunities in disguise.” This year has put this saying to the test because the obstacles have continued to enter our world on an ongoing basis. Each and every time I get sidetracked and lost in the obstacles, I always challenge myself to see the hidden opportunities and blessings all around us which always include our students and staff.
Our school year began on August 12, 2020, and I will say that it was one of my best first days ever. You might ask how that could be with all of the protocols that had to be implemented in our new normal. Teachers and students had been locked away from one another and to see a sense of pure joy and normalcy in our buildings was a moment that will forever be imprinted in my mind. I had chills. We were able to have a volleyball season, run cross country, play football, play tennis, golf, basketball, hold orchestra concerts, theatre performances, choir performances, see the performances by the band, drill team, cheerleaders, and the list goes on. I had chills each and every time. We were able to see a forthcoming king and queen crowned at Rock Hill High School and a king and queen at Prosper High School crowned homecoming king and queen. I had chills. One of our parents summed it up after her daughter was crowned queen. She shared, “Thank you for the hard decisions you make every day for the well-being of students. We are so grateful for the opportunities our children are given in Prosper ISD. It is so exciting for our students to experience normalcy during this crazy time. And the learning opportunities are second to none.” I definitely had chills!
Moments matter in Prosper and connect us all at a deeper level. My vision for Prosper is that it continues to be a community that rallies in moments of joy as much as it does in moments of devastation. The community is such a unique and special gift that truly allows Prosper to continue to PROSPER. Years ago, Hellen Keller summed up 2020 the best without knowing how powerful her quote would be today. She shared, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Prosper is stronger together and I can’t wait to see what is in store for 2021. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you all!
Dr. Holly Ferguson
Prosper ISD Superintendent
