We Elevate What We Celebrate

July 19, 2025

As I reflect on my time at the recent American School Counseling Association (ASCA) Conference, one message keeps echoing in my mind. Our keynote speaker, Malcolm Mitchell, NFL Super Bowl champion, and more importantly, founder of the Share the Magic Foundation that promotes literacy and reading in schools, told us:

“To succeed, you must read.”

Malcolm shared some personal stories with us about his journey growing up in a community where football was wholeheartedly celebrated, but reading was quietly overlooked. He said something that stuck with me:

“The loudest applause in a culture shapes the priority of a culture.”

That phrase hasn’t left my mind. I started thinking about how this connected with me as a mom, a counselor, and now a business owner and consultant.

A recent conversation with a friend came to mind. We were discussing our kids’ activities. Her son is a truly gifted chess player. He doesn’t play anymore, but he does play baseball. He’s great at that, too. I kept wondering: Why does one get applause while the other fades quietly away? Why is it “cool” to be an athlete, but not always to be a masterful chess player? Why do kids feel they have to choose?

Through reflection, I connected with Malcolm Mitchell’s message in my way, walking away with this thought:

We elevate what we celebrate.

So, I’ve been asking myself:

• What do I celebrate in my home?

• In my community?

• In myself?

• What do I uplift through my attention, my praise, and my actions?

Today, I’m choosing to celebrate growth, learning, and the people and values that matter most.

I’m Celebrating Growth in My Family

I am celebrating two of my adult children because they are embracing new experiences and lifelong learning. That tells me they’re building lives that will be rich and meaningful. That willingness to lean into discomfort and stretch beyond what’s familiar is where growth happens. Isn’t that what we all want for our kids?

I’m Celebrating With My Community

Right now, we’re in the middle of the “5 Best Days of Summer” happening with our local Great Jones County Fair. Over the years, this fair has featured major music acts such as Waylon Jennings, Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Cody Johnson, and, for rock fans, Motley Crue, Kid Rock, and Tesla. We celebrate music and entertainment. These five days bring thousands of people to our small community, boosting our economy and filling our town with pride. Just as importantly, we also celebrate agriculture, traditions, 4-H, and FFA. To the kids who put so much time and effort into these projects and animals to present them at this great fair, we see you, and we thank you.

Your effort matters.

I’m Celebrating New Beginnings

I am celebrating the launch of my new business. I have spent over 20 years as a teacher, counselor, and consultant, and I am now engaging in the world as an educational consultant, independently. I’m passionate about helping schools build stronger, more effective, and efficient student support systems. Starting a new business has come with a learning curve, and I am still learning. But I’m proud to be growing in new ways.

I’m Celebrating Innovation in Our Profession

I am celebrating the newly released 5th Edition of the ASCA National Model. The changes make it easier for counselors to build comprehensive, student-centered programs that truly support EACH and EVERY student. That’s worth celebrating.

I’m Celebrating Kindness and Inclusion

What would our culture look like if we clapped louder for compassion, for belonging, for making sure every child feels seen, respected, and included?

What Are You Celebrating?

Let’s keep clapping for what matters.