By Kevin Johnson
Mayor of Sacramento
As a high school basketball player, the word on the street was that I was a good high school athlete, but would never excel at the college level. When I played basketball at Cal, the smart money said that I may have succeeded in college, but I would never make it in the NBA. I honestly can’t think of anyone who saw me as the future Mayor of Sacramento. I can clearly remember, though, the woman who taught me how to believe in myself.
I must have been about eight years old when Mrs. Williamson took me under her wing. She saw my potential and made certain that the other teachers pushed me. Mrs. Williamson held me to a high standard—even in little tasks. When Mrs. Williamson gave me special jobs to do—like organizing the books in the class library, I felt like the most important kid in the school. Her faith in me built my confidence in myself.
Mrs. Williamson took an interest in me in third grade and beyond. She stuck with me through my schooling and was the first to sign up as a volunteer teacher for St. HOPE when I started my afterschool program. Mrs. Williamson’s belief in my potential has given life to so many of my dreams.
As Mayor, I want to attempt to express my appreciation for all teachers in our region. Every day when you expect more and push your children to new heights, you are building the foundation of our future. Our children, the most precious resource in our community, are in your hands. We ask so much of teachers and the burden can be heavy. Please know that the faith and hope you invest in our kids will lift up our community, transform our nation and change the world. I can’t possibly thank you enough.
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