The Jackson School District celebrated the start of American Education Week on Monday with a flag-raising ceremony at West Lane Elementary, where district officials, the mayor and a student also discussed the importance of a quality education.

The week, organized by the National Education Association, is an opportunity to celebrate public education and honor those who are making a difference in students' lives.

Students presented the American flag, and the Jackson High School concert choir and women's choir performed three songs.

After reading a proclamation, Jackson Mayor Dwain Hahs thanked teachers, bus drivers, custodians, administrators and everyone at the district for their work.

"For me, I'm a product of the Jackson public school system," he said, adding the school district provided him with an education that led to an "exciting life of traveling around the world."

Hahs retired from Bausch & Lomb in 2008 after more than 30 years at the company. He lived in Europe and Asia at various times, serving in different positions, including vice president of marketing for the international division and senior vice president and president of the Asia region in Hong Kong.

Superintendent John Link said he was the first in his family to get a college education.

Link said he was a junior in high school "on the road to nowhere" when a teacher told him he was going to be something special -- a teacher.

"It's because of the opportunities that education gives you, you can be whatever you want to be. You can do whatever you want to do," he said. "Education is the great equalizer. It doesn't matter where you come from, what your skin color is, how much money your parents have, where you live -- public education allows you the same opportunity as the person next to you."

Fifth-grader Layne Gross told his fellow students to raise their hands if they remembered their kindergarten teacher, if someone in their family is a teacher and if they enjoy learning from their current teachers.

Many hands were raised for all three questions.

"Without teachers, we wouldn't be able to learn how to read, write or do math. When you struggle, teachers are always there to help," he said. "A great teacher can make school feel like a second home for students. ... We all have different skills, and with the right education, we are able to grow these skills and have a lifetime job. That's why education and teachers are important.

"Make sure sometime this week you say, 'Thank you' to your teachers, both present and past."

klamb@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3639

Pertinent address:

338 N. West Lane, Jackson, Mo.