Tier 1 National Org

Behind Every Amazing School… Is an Amazing Leader!

Seven CPAA principals lead schools named among Illinois' Top 25, and they're getting real about what it takes.

We already know Chicago's school leaders are AMAZING! And we love it when the rest of the world gets a reminder: U.S. News & World Report just named the 25 best elementary schools in Illinois, and seven are Chicago Public Schools: Skinner North, McDade, Keller, Edison, Lincoln, Hawthorne and Decatur Classical. All seven are led by CPAA members, and we are SO proud of the principals, assistant principals, educators, students and families who make these school communities shine.

A ranking tells part of the story. The rest of it lives in the hundreds of decisions a principal makes before lunch… the teacher who needed support, the family who needed a call back, the student who needed someone to notice. That's the work that makes a school great. So along with our congratulations, we asked these principals three questions:

What's your secret sauce?

Who helped shape the leader you've become?

What's happening in your school that no ranking could ever measure?

And they gave us the real thing… honest, heartfelt answers straight from their schools.

Seven Schools. Seven Exceptional Leaders.

Dr. Katie Magnuson | Skinner North Classical School

At Skinner North, excellence starts with educating the whole child.

"Academics and social-emotional learning are equally important," Dr. Magnuson told us. That belief shapes how her team plans instruction, with rigorous, differentiated support and real intention about how students connect, celebrate who they are, and belong.

Her favorite example? Buddy classroom time, when eighth graders lead activities that build cultural understanding and connection. "It is always joyful to see," she said.

Students are learning to succeed… and learning to lead and lift each other up.

Stacy Gray | McDade Classical School

Principal Gray says it best: "While sometimes, this can be hard work, it is always HEART work!"

At McDade, that heart comes with a plan. Teachers use student data to guide instruction, and every student from kindergarten through eighth grade sets goals and tracks their own progress. "We are a small school, and everyone jumps in where needed," she said.

She's just as proud of the moments that make McDade shine: Friday arts programming, student leadership from kindergarten on, and "a child's growing confidence, their willingness to support a classmate, or the pride they feel when trusted to lead."

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.

On this Veterans Day, AFSA extends our deepest gratitude to all who have served our nation. We honor the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have worn our nation's uniform and dedicated themselves to something larger than themselves.

We also recognize that service to our country takes many forms. For those who have served in uniform, that commitment does not end when military service is complete. And for those who have not served, there are countless ways to answer the call of service and carry forward the promise of America.

In our schools, we see that responsibility every day. The work of educating, leading, supporting, and inspiring young people is, in many ways, a continuation of that same service. It is about investing in the next generation, helping young people understand their place in our nation's story, and preparing them to shape its future. It is about passing on not just knowledge, but the values of responsibility, opportunity, community, and citizenship.

Ultimately, this is about our friends, our families, our neighbors, and the communities we call home. It is about recognizing that our democracy is an ongoing endeavor — one that has experienced its share of challenges, setbacks, and triumphs, but whose promise rests in our willingness to keep working toward a more perfect union.

Democracy does not move forward on its own. It moves forward because people step up, serve, teach, lead, care, and believe that the next generation deserves the opportunity to make our country better.

Today, we thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. And we thank all those who continue to serve our nation in their own way, including the school administrators and educators who dedicate their lives to America's children and communities.

Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your continued commitment to the promise of America.