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07/11/16 - Mayor's Column: Education

A Weekly Note from Mayor Gary L. Graham
“Traditional Values, Progressive Thinking”

This week, we celebrate the birthday of a man that helped shaped the childhood memories of generations of Americans. Elwyn Brooks White was born on July 11, 1899 and before he passed 86 years later, he wrote some of the most important children’s novels in American History. Many of us grew up enjoying the children’s books Stuart Little, Charlotte’s Web, and The Trumpet of the Swan, and we owe that to E.B. White.

I have read these books. I have read them to my children. And, my children have read them to my grand-children. It’s every parents dream to provide their children with a sense of imagination, and of course, an education.

We are very lucky in O’Fallon to have opportunities for great education. O’Fallon’s schools are among some of the best in the State of Illinois and the St. Louis Metro Area.

A couple of months ago, Dr. Darcy Benway, O’Fallon Township High School Superintendent, shared with the community, a list of some of the accolades and particulars that make OTHS an outstanding school. Some of the facts were incredibly impressive:

  • OTHS consistently performs in the top six percent of schools in the State for academic scores.
  • The graduating class of 2015 had twelve military academy appointments and was offered in excess of $35 million dollars in scholarships.
  • Awards and Honors for the OTHS Class of 2015 included 112 Illinois State Scholars; 6 National Merit Commended Students; 1 National Achievement Scholarship Outstanding Participant; 147 IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award Winners; and 190 National Honor Society Members.

In addition, O’Fallon’s public and private K-through-8 districts are responsible for preparing O’Fallon’s children to excel in high school. By all accounts, I would say that they are doing a spectacular job.

I believe that education, along with safety and amenities are what draw people to a community. O’Fallon’s Schools and Police Department are some of the best in the St. Louis region and our parks system provides O’Fallon’s residents with top-notch programs and facilities for recreation. Add in a growing job base, superior healthcare, and a wonderful downtown, O’Fallon seems to be the premier community in the area.

The strong working relationship between the City of O’Fallon, O’Fallon Schools, and the residents we serve is yet another example of why O’Fallon is such a great community in which to live.