Jordan Creek Elementary is located off I-35 and George Mills Civic Parkway in West Des Moines. George "Lefty" Mills who the parkway was named after was an honored chief political writer for the "Register" for nearly 30 years. He was also a pitcher in Marshalltown where the nickname stuck, and he got his start as a reporter traveling across Iowa writing about the places he visited. In many ways this blog can be considered a tribute to this well-respected reporter.

Jordan Creek Elementary was opened in 1992 and is the largest elementary school in the district with 770 students from PK-6.

I was scheduled to speak to grades 4-6. Betty Anderson, who had scheduled the event greeted me at the door. She said that the students were very excited to hear me speak and she, too, couldn't wait. She remarked, "You will find these students some of the best kids you'll ever want to meet."

Mrs. Anderson's words were comforting knowing that I had a busy schedule speaking this week.

What caught my immediate attention when I walked past the office were the parakeets housed in this elaborate habitat. It certainly was soothing watching the colorful birds frolicking without a care in the world.

Betty said that the students had a surprise for me. A piano was rolled into the gymnasium and a group of students gathered around their music teacher with big smiles plastered across their faces. Soon, half the gym was completely filled with eager students. And then after the assistant principal introduced me, the choir sang: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"... in perfect pitch. We then joined in song for the second verse as a collective group. It was such an inspirational tribute that I became energized wanting to give these students all the energy I had left to give.

Mrs. Anderson was correct. The level of enthusiasm in the gym was second to none. No matter what I did with the students who volunteered the audience cheered. The student who won the screaming contest cowered to his knees as he gave us his thunderous scream. When I offered my actor the X Games hat the students clapped in praise. The students even clapped when I showed them Erin's Team USA uniform.

I left Jordan Creek Elementarywith a lump in my throat because I was deeply touched by the students' kindness and deep appreciation. These young adults most certainly believed in dreams and were busy pursuing them.

When all we hear about in the news is how our children all falling behind the rest of the world in terms of educational performance, I suggest news commentators like Katie Couric of "CBS Evening" news and Barbara Walters of the "View" offer their viewers hope by touring Jordan Creek Elementary in West Des Moines, Iowa. I was glad I had had the opportunity to speak to these bright, young minds.

Jordan Creek teachers/students you have inspired me. "For it's one, two, three strikes you're out at the old ballgame."

Students - keep swinging away to your future glory.